There has been yet another twist in the transfer saga that involves Manuel Locatelli, Arsenal and Juventus. The 23-year-old looks certain to leave Sassuolo this summer, but where he ends up remains to be seen with the Gunners and the Serie A giants locked in a battle for his signature. Well, earlier in the month Italian journalist Paolo Bargiggia claimed that midfielder had said ‘no’ to joining Arsenal, although it has since been revealed that this is not the case. A stance that will sit well with Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta who has effectively already outlined his one non-negotiable when it comes to signing new players.
Mikel Arteta said: “The moment we mention Arsenal, Ian you know what it means around the world. Everybody wants to come here and we have a really clear idea of what we are. It doesn’t need much convincing and if they do, for me it’s not a good starting point. If I have to convince a player to stay or to join us. To Arsenal? (Arteta grimaces) It holds me back a little bit. It has to be ‘what do we have to do? I want to play for that club and represent exactly the values the style of play that I want’. That’s the kind of emotion I want to hear at the start. And the same with the players that are here. Once you finish what are the feelings you have towards the club? That’s what really interests me.”
As outlined above, Locatelli would prefer to join Juventus and has ambitions that a deal can be done. Although the fact that he’s not ruling out the prospect of joining Arsenal would indicate he wouldn’t need much convincing, thus making any transfer decision even easier.
