Report: Arsenal could go back for Manuel Locatelli as Juventus move stalls

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Juventus are struggling to get a deal over the line for Manuel Locatelli and Arsenal could now revisit their past interest in the Italian midfielder.

That is according to Football.London, who report that Juventus are considering bringing back Miralem Pjanic to Turin as an alternative to Euro 2020 winner, Locatelli.

The Gunners were linked with a move for Locatelli a month or so back and were even said to have met Sassuolo’s £34m asking-price. But since then, it’s gone quiet, with Juventus widely tipped to sign the midfielder.

But now it seems Juve are running out of patience. Football.London cite reports from Italy that suggest Pjanic is now on the radar of the Turin giants. The Bosnian can leave Barcelona, who are in a dire financial situation.

However, another two factors could hinder any deal. First, Arsenal do not regard Locatelli as their first-choice. They want James Maddison signed.

Secondly, even if they do not land Maddison, the Gunners will apparently go back for Martin Odegaard from Real Madrid. That means it’s three things potentially standing in the way for Arsenal and Locatelli.

Arsenal should have done this deal a while back

While it’s known that Locatelli prefers the move to Turin, Arsenal should have pushed to get this done a while ago.

They have the money, and have even got the bid in the door, so why the Gunners are delaying things is a mystery really. Locatelli proved his class in the summer, and he’d undoubtedly improve this Arsenal side.

For £34m, Locatelli is a bargain. And with Juventus stalling, Arsenal need to get back in the game and quickly.