Arsenal could have a busy summer ahead of them as Mikel Arteta looks to bolster his ranks further.
The Gunners have gone from strength to strength since Arteta took the reins, but there’s still work to do at the Emirates Stadium.
Edu and Arteta will not want to rest on their laurels, so we’re likely to see more additions when the market opens in a few weeks’ time.
Midfield is an area in which Arsenal could strengthen, amid uncertain futures for the likes of Thomas Partey, Fabio Vieira and Albert Sambi Lokonga.
Now, according to a report from Italy, the Gunners have set their sights on a player who Roberto Mancini has likened to Jorginho.
The player in question is Juventus star Manuel Locatelli and, according to Juve Live, Arsenal are back in the mix for the 26-year-old.
Locatelli, who joined Juve permanently in 2021 for a reported £30million fee, is said to be questioning his role and future at the club.
Links between Arsenal and Locatelli go back to 2021, so it’s not too surprising to see his name doing the rounds again, particularly now he’s reportedly questioning his future.
Who is Arsenal target Manuel Locatelli?
Manuel Locatelli is an Italy international who plays in midfield and has been plying his trade for Juve since 2021, when he joined on a loan-to-buy deal from Sassuolo.
He has 131 competitive Juve appearances to his name, along with four goals and 13 assists. He also has 28 caps for Italy and was in the squad that won Euro 2020.
Speaking in 2021, Italy manager Roberto Mancini said Locatelli has the qualities to come in for Jorginho when the “essential” Gunners man is unavailable.
“When Jorginho is out, we need alternatives as a playmaker,” Mancini said, as per Football Italia.
“Locatelli has the qualities to do it. He can play as an internal midfielder or a playmaker, so this is an extra option at our disposal.”
Arsenal could well look to overhaul their midfield in the summer, and Locatelli wouldn’t be a bad shout thanks to his talent and experience.
He could potentially be a long-term replacement for Jorginho, whose new contract extension only runs until the end of next season.
