Club chief admits pondering sale, confirming lucrative Arsenal transfer plan in motion

Manuel Locatelli Kenan Karaman, Ciro Immobile Turkey v Italy Euro 2020

Sassuolo director Giovanni Carnevali has revealed that Arsenal have the edge in the transfer race for Italy star Manuel Locatelli.

The midfielder is in demand following his strong season in Serie A, but also his Euro 2020 performances. Despite coming into the tournament as a relative newcomer to international football, the 23-year-old has proved crucial. He has played in three of four matches, scoring twice against Switzerland in Group A.

As a result of his displays, speculation that Locatelli could earn a big career move this summer has grown.

Manchester City had the earliest Premier League transfer links, but Arsenal have come forward with strong interest more recently.

Indeed, the Gunners have reportedly made an offer to Sassuolo and Juventus look to be their biggest current rivals in the hunt.

Speaking to Sky Sport Italia (via Football Italia), Carnevali confirmed such reports. However, he added that his club are trying their best not to interfere with Locatelli’s Euro 2020 participation.

“We are trying to leave the lad calm, so I haven’t spoken to him or his agents yet,” the club chief said. “We can think about Locatelli’s future, but above all we care about his present and that means Italy doing well at the Euros.

“Juventus are the only Italian club we talked to about Locatelli.

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“They have interest, we spoke to [director Federico] Cherubini last week. We have not yet discussed the financial details, but we have a good rapport and will talk it over soon.

“It’s true that there are foreign clubs interested, including Arsenal, and so far they are ahead and are the only side realistically to have made an important proposal for Manuel.”

He added (via Football London): “Arsenal have made an official bid for Locatelli. They’re pushing hard to sign Manuel and it’s an important bid… we will see.”

Locatelli played in 34 of 38 Serie A games last season, chipping in with four goals and three assists.

He has two years left on his contract and reports claim that he will cost €40million (£34million).

Arsenal handed Correa transfer boost

Ciro Immobile, Joaquin Correa, Lazio TEAMtalk

Locatelli is one of several targets on Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta’s shortlist for the summer transfer window.

Centre-back Ben White is reportedly closing in on a move from Brighton to the Emirates Stadium.

Elsewhere, Lazio’s Joaquin Correa has been mentioned as a potential addition, with Tottenham also keen.

According to the latest claim, the Argentine has told his club that he wants to leave.

READ MORE: Arsenal, Tottenham among contenders as attacker tells Lazio he wants out