Arteta now wants Arsenal to agree deal for 27yo UCL star, can be signed for £21m – report | OneFootball

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is keen on signing one of Italy’s best midfielders this summer, according to Juve Live.

The Gunners are widely expected to bolster their midfield department at the end of the campaign.

Jorginho and Thomas Partey have entered the last five months of their contracts. The duo are likely to leave on free transfers.

The club are poised to sign Real Sociedad’s Martin Zubimendi, but the club could pursue another midfielder alongside.

Juve Live claim that Arteta wants to bring Juventus’ Manuel Locatelli to the Gunners this summer.

Locatelli has been in good form under new manager Thiago Motta, but the Bianconeri could sell him for a reasonable price.

With their financial problems, it is claimed that a figure of around £21 million could be sufficient to prise him away from Turin.

Arsenal could revive pursuit of Locatelli

The Italy international was a top target for the Gunners during his time with Sassuolo.

The club wanted to sign him after his fantastic exploits for the Azzurri at Euro 2020, but he preferred to join the Bianconeri instead.

Locatelli had an underwhelming 2023/24 season in Turin, but his form has drastically improved from the number six role under Motta.

The 27-year-old has completed 89 percent of his passes in Serie A this campaign, with a long ball success rate of around 70 percent.

He has won almost 60% of his duels with two tackles per game. He has likewise impressed with his recoveries and clearances.

At £21m, he would represent a huge bargain signing for the Gunners this summer.

We believe the Bianconeri could hold out for at least £30m as he is in the prime of his career and has three years left in his deal.

Arsenal could consider him as a rotational player behind Zubimendi next season.

Stats from Sofascore.com