Manuel Locatelli admits he could leave Sassuolo, amid Manchester City links

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Reported Manchester City target, Manuel Locatelli, has fuelled rumours of a potential move this summer in an interview with Corriere dello Sport this week.

Locatelli emerged as a potential target for City just last month. Respected journalist Fabrizio Romano claimed that Pep Guardiola had sent his scouts to keep tabs on Locatelli. The Italian, it seems, identified as a potential replacement for the ageing Fernandinho.

And speaking to CDS this week, Locatelli – who currently plays for Sassuolo – admits he may leave if the right opportunity comes along.

“I don’t know if this will be my last year here or what the future holds for me. When, and if, there are opportunities, we will evaluate them all together,” Locatelli said.

“Playing abroad is an option for me and at the moment I’m not excluding anything. It’s part of my job and it means that I have raised my level. Certain certificates of esteem and interest from big clubs increase my motivations and make me understand I’m on the right track.”

Locatelli has already cemented himself in the Italian national team. He’s made nine appearances for the Azzuri and at just 23, has ample time to further improve his game.

Of course, a move to City would surely appeal. Pep Guardiola has his team purring this season and Locatelli would be hard-pressed to get a more enticing offer.

TBR View: Locatelli looks a class act who’d slot in nicely at Manchester City

There’s no doubt at all that Locatelli is ready for the next step in his career. A move to a big club beckons and City, with a gap in their midfield coming up, would be ideal.

Players thrive under Guardiola and that appeal will be hard for Locatelli to turn down. A big bid will likely be needed from City but if they do land Locatelli, he should be a guaranteed home run.