ARSENAL have made contact with Juventus over a January move for Manuel Locatelli, according to reports in Italy.
The Gunners tried to sign the midfielder after his impressive European Championships with Italy last summer.
Instead, Locatelli opted to join Juventus on a two-year loan deal from Sassuolo.
The 24-year-old is set to return to Sassuolo at the end of this season, where he’ll have just 12 months left on his deal.
But Italian outlet Calciomercato have claimed that Arsenal have contacted the Old Lady over Locatelli’s services.
Mikel Arteta’s side continued their outstanding to the campaign after beating Tottenham in the north London derby on Saturday.
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But the Gunners boss has just three fit midfielders at his disposal after an injury to Mohamed Elneny and his failure to sign one in the summer.
The Spaniard is in the market for a new midfielder after failing with various deadline day bids for Aston Villa star Doulgas Luiz.
And the report claims that if Arsenal launch an appropriate offer, it’ll be considered by Juventus, who have an obligation to make Locatelli’s move from Sassuolo permanent.
His form in Turin has been underwhelming under Massimiliano Allegri, highlighted by the fact he’s started just four times for Italy since the Euros final.
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Regardless, Arteta is still clearly willing to take a punt on the Italian in a bid to improve his engine room options.
Locatelli has played seven times this season, but his place in the side could be under serious threat once Paul Pogba returns from injury.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
