Arsenal set to miss out on Euro 2020 winner

 

Manuel Locatelli is edging closer to joining Juventus in a major blow to Arsenal's plans, reports The Guardian.

 

Arsenal are willing to match Sassuolo's €40m (£34.4m) asking price for the midfielder but Locatelli has made it clear his preference is to join Juventus this summer.

 

Juventus' opening offer of a on-year loan deal with an obligation to buy for €30m was rejected by Sassuolo but talks are continuing to find a compromise.

 

Arsenal will continue to monitor the situation in case talks breakdown but they would prefer to sign a player that is motivated to join them in the first place.

 

Locatelli, who played a key role in Italy's triumph at Euro 2020, wants Champions League football after growing into one of Serie A's best midfielders at Sassuolo the last two years.

 

 

The 23-year-old broke into the AC Milan first-team in 2016 and spent three years there before handing in a transfer request to leave.

 

Locatelli made more accurate passes than any other midfielder in Serie A last season (2426).