Report: Arsenal could look at ‘perfect’ 24-year-old again – and bizarre swap with £45m Gunners star is mooted
Arsenal could look to make a fresh move for Manuel Locatelli, while Calciomercatoweb reports that they could offer a surprise swap deal for the midfielder.
Locatelli is a player who has been linked with the Gunners several times in recent years. In fact, Arsenal made a big push to sign the Italy international before his move to Juventus. The Athletic suggested at the time that Mikel Arteta’s men were prepared to push the boat out to secure a deal.
Ultimately however, he moved to Turin from Sassuolo in a deal which could be worth up to £32 million (via Goal).
Arsenal could make fresh Locatelli move
But he apparently remains on Arsenal’s radar. Calciomercatoweb reports that the Gunners could look to make a fresh bid for the 24-year-old in the summer.
Oddly, it is then claimed that a deal may be possible if either Granit Xhaka or Thomas Partey are offered in a swap. Juve have apparently made several moves for Xhaka in the past.
Arsenal making a fresh move for Locatelli in the future would hardly be a surprise.
He could be ‘perfect‘ for the Gunners. FBRef likens him to the likes of Declan Rice, Youri Tielemans and Aurelien Tchouameni. The defensive side of his game has been outstanding for Juve in recent months.
However, it would be a shock if Xhaka or Partey left in a swap. Xhaka has never been better in an Arsenal shirt.
Meanwhile, Partey has been vital since his £45 million move. He provides a perfect balance to Arteta’s side. And the Gunners really appear to feel the difference whenever he is absent.
Obviously, Arteta and Edu rate Locatelli incredibly highly. So it may be a situation they look at in the summer. But, as things stand, a swap deal does not feel all that sensible.
