Arsenal set sights on signing midfielder, could swap him for Lokonga

Arsenal have once again set their sights on signing Juventus midfielder Manuel Locatelli.

Locatelli is currently on loan at Juventus from Sassuolo, but CalcioMercato believe he’s ‘not considered’ a starter for manager Max Allegri.

Mikel Arteta is a fan of Locatelli, and could include an Arsenal player in exchange as part of the deal.

The one-time capped Belgian international has struggled to make an impact at Arsenal since arriving.

Lokonga made twelve starts in the Premier League last season, but looked out of his depth at times.

It would be a surprise to see a player who has potential used to bring in another signing, but Locatelli would certainly be an upgrade in that role.

Arsenal set sights on Lokonga

This isn’t the first time Arsenal have been interested in the Italian international midfielder.

Locatelli is a deep lying playmaker, who progresses the ball very quickly from defence to attack.

As expected for a defensive midfielder, he’s also a strong tackler and covers a lot of ground.

Locatelli would be competing for a spot in the team with Thomas Partey, who is in fantastic form right now.

Matthew Upson named Partey man-of-the-match after the north London derby, where he scored a brilliant long-range strike.

It’s hard to see anyone breaking into Arsenal’s midfield right now.

However, Arsenal setting their sights on Locatelli suggests they are looking to improve the overall strength of their squad.

It would be a potential case of unfulfilled potential to see Lokonga go.

However, it’s a ‘concrete possibility for both clubs’ that the swap deal could happen.