Arsenal prep for Sassuolo's Locatelli despite Juventus preference

INA – Sources
 
Arsenal are prepared to pay a €40 million transfer fee for Sassuolo's Manuel Locatelli despite the Italy star's preference to stay in Serie A for his next move, according to Fabrizio Romano.
 
The 23-year-old is set to meet with Sassuolo to discuss a move away from the club after impressing at Euro 2020, where he scored twice and played in a part in the Azzurri beating England in the final.
 
Locatelli would reportedly prefer a switch to Juventus, which could rule Arsenal out of a move. The Gunners are said to only want players who are fully convinced to join the club. However, it could also be dependent on Juve's own financial situation and outgoings in their midfield.
 
Locatelli joined Sassuolo from AC Milan in 2019 for a fee worth roughly €14.5m following a successful loan stint. In his career, he has made over 140 Serie A appearances, 99 with his current club, and impressed Roberto Mancini enough to earn an international call-up.
 
For Arsenal, the deal represents one of many on a reported spending spree over the summer. The Gunners have been widely linked with a £50m move for Brighton's Ben White, as well as Lyon's Houssem Aouar and Anderlecht's Albert Sambi Lokonga. The club's planned recruitment rebuild could help them rebound back into European contention, failing to qualify for continental football for the first time in 25 seasons.