Manuel Locatelli has been subject to a move to Arsenal for a while now, having been closely linked to switch Italian football for Premier League back when he joined Juventus from Sassuolo in 2021. His older brother last month confirmed how closely Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal were in the running for his signature.
“I still remember the negotiation. For him it was very long. There was also Arsenal, but he wanted Juventus,” said Mattia Locatelli, his elder brother, in conversation with Calciomercato.
Juventus snapped the services of Manuel Locatelli for a two-year loan deal with an obligatory buying clause in 2023. And Arsenal haven’t moved on from the Italian midfield maestro just yet. The fact that Locatelli’s brother stated that the player ‘loves‘ playing for Juventus is a solid indication that the midfielder is content with the club.
But, Arsenal’s pursuit remains an ongoing subject of debate, so it would not be surprising to see more connections regarding this pursuit in the future, particularly as the Gunners have become a more appealing destination since Mikel Arteta has led them to the top of the Premier League.
And there is more to it…
According to a report by Tutto Juve, Arsenal would be open to sign Locatelli in the upcoming window, and Mikel Arteta’s club is prepared to let go of Kieran Tierney as recompense in any potential deal with Juventus.
Following Oleksandr Zinchenko’s arrival at the club last summer, Tierney’s playing time has about but diminished.
Although the same report by Tutto Juve claims that the Old Lady have no interest in any transaction involving the Locatelli for Tierney.
But, there are supportive-s…
🚨👀 #Juventus shown interest – again – in the #Arsenal left-back Kieran #Tierney.
🗣️ First contact between the ⚪⚫ and the 🏴 player happened in 2019. Now, before any further action, the 🇮🇹 club wants to better understand the extra football issues.🐓⚽ @stevek9Ks1TV #AFC #Juve pic.twitter.com/165hbekkkT
— Rudy Galetti (@RudyGaletti) March 7, 2023
Italian journalist Rudy Galetti sees Kieran Tierney and his probable links to Juventus a tad differently. He claims that ‘initial contact’ between the Scotland international and the Turin club occurred in 2019 – and before approaching Tierney in the upcoming summer, they would like more information about his off-the-field concerns.
If that is to be believed, Arsenal’s attempt to use KT to sign Locatelli may be bolstered by Galetti’s assertion.
