As per reports in Italy, Arsenal are considering making a return for Juventus Midfielder Manuel Locatelli in the summer and are already drawing up an offer for the player. The Gunners are looking to bring in a defensive midfielder and have identified the Italian as a good potential option.

The North London side made an attempt to sign Locatelli in the summer of 2021 by offering Sassuolo’s asking price, but the player deciding on joining Juventus instead. The Old Lady signed the player on loan for two years with an obligation to buy for a fee of around £32 million this summer.

However, it seems unlikely that the Bianconeri would be willing to cough up the amount to sign the player. Meanwhile, the Gunners are looking to sign a box-to-box midfielder in the upcoming window. One of their top targets is Declan Rice, but the Italian remains in the mix.

According to Calciomercato (via The Hard Tackle), Arsenal are set to make another attempt to sign Manuel Locatelli from Juventus this summer. The Italian news outlet stated that the Gunners have already prepared an offer to secure the midfielder’s services.

Although the Gunners signed Jorginho in January, they want a player on a long-term prospect. The 25-year-old was one of the hottest prospects in Europe when he moved to Turin after Euro 2020, but the player might now have a few regrets about his choice of joining the Bianconeri.

The Italian has failed to impress Juventus fans after joining the club on loan. The fans wanted more from him as his performances for Sassuolo and Italy amplified expectations of many. The midfielder is now looking for a move away from Turin and could be open to a move to the Premier League.

Arsenal have an offer ready for Juventus for next summer to buy Manuel Locatelli on a permanent transfer, according to Calcio Mercato

The Italian midfielder will be back at Sassuolo in the summer and will have a significant cost in terms of budget

Thoughts? pic.twitter.com/Ho4FmZOyEs

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It would be interesting to see if Arsenal can agree a deal with Juventus for Manuel Locatelli. A deal will be beneficial for all parties involved. Mikel Arteta will acquire a highly talented box-to-box midfielder while the Italian outfit will be exempted of paying the obligation fee.

The Euro 2020 winner will have a fresh start at the Emirates Stadium. Moreover, the defensive midfielder still has plenty of time ahead of him to realise his potential, given his young age. There is no reason why the player won’t be able to succeed in England.

Is Manuel Locatelli The Right Choice for Arsenal?

Arsenal currently have Thomas Partey and Jorginho as defensive midfielders in the squad. However, Jorginho has a contract with the North London club only till the summer of 2024, whereas there have always been concerns about Partey’s fitness. Arteta is still looking for recruitment in that area but is yet to find the perfect solution.

Manuel Locatelli would have been an excellent signing two years ago. 2020-21 was his best season yet and he would have developed perfectly in the system that the Gunners are playing right now. The Italian, in his peak form, was able to block opposition balls efficiently and disrupt the opposition attack with his interceptions. However, most clubs focussed on the player’s passing range and his long-range shooting.

The top clubs in Europe wanted to secure his services mostly for the contribution he made to the attack despite being a defensive midfielder. It was not their fault. In the 2020-21 season, it looked as if he could ping a perfect long ball from anywhere on the pitch and could score every time he was within 20-25 yards of the goal.

Nevertheless, the North London side do have the option to go all in for West Ham’s 24-year-old midfielder Declan Rice. Although the Englishman is a much more expensive player, he is still a more defensive assured option of the two.

Read More:

• €60m Rated Serie A Star to Leave Club in the Summer, Arsenal Front-runners to Sign Midfielder Based on Player’s Preference
• Arsenal Earmark €80m Rated Star PL Midfielder as the Top Priority Summer Target, Player Also Inclined to Joining the Gunners
• Arsenal Considering Making Shock Summer Move for Chelsea’s €25m Rated Winger | Can he Shine on the Other Side of London?

Unfortunately, that is what the Gunners currently desire. Mikel Arteta wants to bring in more security and stability for the defence and Declan Rice certainly provides that.

Arsenal do not need a player who can distribute balls into the box or a midfielder who can score many goals. The goals are currently coming for the North London, they need a long-term fix for Partey.

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