‘Given everything’, ‘increasingly reliable’: Arsenal-linked midfielder’s Euro 2020 display hailed by his nation’s media

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Arsenal are reportedly eyeing Manuel Locatelli.

And some Gunners fans loved what they saw from the Italy midfielder on Friday night.

Sky Sport Italia, via Metro, claim Arsenal are keeping tabs on Locatelli this summer.

The Gunners could be up against Manchester City, Juventus, Borussia Dortmund and Paris Saint-Germain.

Sassuolo are reportedly reluctant to part with their talisman, but could be looking at around £34million for him.

That is, if Locatelli’s value doesn’t skyrocket during Euro 2020.

The midfielder is in the Azzurri squad for the tournament and got his campaign off to a flyer.

Italy opened the tournament with a 3-0 hammering of Turkey in Rome.

Locatelli got the nod in midfield with Marco Verratti and Lorenzo Pellegrini injured.

Admittedly, the 23-year-old took a while to get into the game, but looked much better in the second half.

What the Italian press said:

Ansa rated Locatelli 6.5 out of 10 and wrote: “He too, like Barella, seemed a bit blocked because he’s ‘feeling’ the game.

“However, he unlocked himself and provides the ball for Berardi to set up the opening goal.”

Quotidiano also gave him 6.5 out of 10, writing: “He betrays an understandable emotion at the start of the game, with his legs not turning as they would like.

“He labours, especially in the first half, but personality and talent emerge from the distance.

“He runs a lot, without losing focus. It is no coincidence that the Azzurri’s opening goal was borne out of his beautiful delivery.

“He is replaced in the 73rd minute after having given everything.”

Calcionews24 gave Locatelli 6 and wrote: “Clean, honest, not always super precise but an increasingly reliable presence in our national team.”

“Decisions to make”

Earlier this week, Locatelli admitted he may have a tough decision to make on his future once the Euros are over.

“It is just gossip. There is such an important competition to play and I am focused on that,’ he told reporters at Italy’s training camp, via Metro.

“It is normal to have rumours about the transfer market, but I will not let myself be influenced by them.’

“It would be a waste of time to think about that, even though I know that after the Euros will have some decisions to make.”