Arsenal have suffered a major blow in their pursuit for Juventus star Manuel Locatelli after the Italian midfielder has decided to stay in Turin.
The Gunners wanted to sign a new central midfielder in the summer transfer window after Thomas Partey and Mohamed Elneny picked up injuries leaving options in the middle of the pitch a little light. Aston Villa star Douglas Luiz was the subject of three Deadline Day bids from Arsenal, but Villa rebuffed all attempts made for the Brazilian.
Mikel Arteta is thought to still be keen on adding further signings to his squad in the January transfer window as the north London outfit look to maintain their Premier League title and Europa League charge. Whilst Luiz remains on the Gunners' transfer radar, Locatelli was identified as an alternative option but a move now looks very unlikely of being negotiated.
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The Italian midfielder joined Juventus on-loan last season ahead of a £31m move next summer with the 24-year-old having attracted the attention of Manchester United in the past. According to Fichajes, Arsenal are keen to bring him to the Premier League in the near future.
The report claims that Locatelli wants to stay at Juventus, despite interest from the Premier League, and is confident of becoming a regular in the Italian side. The Old Lady haven't enjoyed the best of starts to the Serie A season, but Locatelli has been a regular starter having already played 549 minutes so far this term.
Locatelli's decision to stay in Turin will be a blow for the Gunners who were keen to bring him to the Emirates Stadium. The Italy international's versatility in midfield, being able to play central midfield and a holding midfield role, proved to be an attractive proposition with Arteta keen to add depth and cover for the likes of Granit Xhaka and Thomas Partey, but it looks as though the Spaniard will need to focus on other targets.
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