Juventus boss Max Allegri has hinted that Aaron Ramsey could be the club’s long-term solution should they fail in a move to sign Arsenal target Manuel Locatelli.
The Italian midfielder has plenty of admirers this summer having enjoyed a highly impressive Euro 2020 campaign - playing a key role as his nation lifted the trophy against England.
Arsenal and Juventus have emerged as real contenders to secure his signature, with the Italian giants seemingly perceived as favourites due to their ability to offer Champions League football. Despite that, Locatelli remains with his current employers Sassuolo.
It remains to be seen whether the 23-year-old actually will be on the move during the current window or not but Juve boss Allegri is under no illusions that if he cannot be secured, the club still have the players to cope - ironically in the form of a former Arsenal man.
Talking to Sky Italia after leading his side to a 3-1 friendly victory over fellow Serie A outfit Atalanta, he said: "Locatelli is a Sassuolo player.
"I think Aaron Ramsey played a good game tonight, he’s an intelligent player. I think he has a future playing just in front of the defence.
"Tonight it wasn’t easy against Atalanta and it’s just the second time he has played in that role, he went to cover lots of aerial balls.
"When he gets used to it more, he will make fewer mistakes because he’ll have the structure laid out in his head. He is a player I can count on a lot."
Locatelli has two years remaining on his current contract with Sassuolo and it is reported that the Italian outfit are asking for £34million for his signature should they choose to let him go.
Sassuolo's sporting director Giovanni Carnevali previously confirmed Arsenal’s interest in the midfielder, as well as recognising discussions with Juventus.
Speaking to Sky Italia last month, he said: "Juventus are the only Italian club we talked to about Locatelli. We met last week with (Juventus sporting director Federico) Cherubini.
"There is interest from their side, we haven't explored all the terms and evaluations, but we have an excellent relationship with Juventus so we will continue these talks.
"It's true that other clubs from abroad are interested, Arsenal are one of these and they are ahead of everyone else because they tabled the only concrete offer we have received so far."
