Transfer News: Arsenal make the first move for Liverpool target Manuel Locatelli
According to the chief executive of Sassuolo, Giovanni Carnevali (h/t Liverpool Echo), Arsenal have made an official bid for Liverpool transfer target, Manuel Locatelli.
The Italian midfielder has been recently linked with Locatelli as a potential replacement for Georginio Wijnaldum. The Sassuolo midfielder, on the back of an impressive season in Serie A, is also making waves with Italy at UEFA Euros 2020.
And his recent links with Liverpool as Wijnaldum’s replacement, hence, do not come as a surprise. The 30-year-old Dutchman has joined PSG as a free agent after his contract at Liverpool expired.
The former Newcastle United man was a regular starter for Jurgen Klopp and leaves a big void to be filled in the Reds’ midfield. But according to Carnevali, it is Arsenal who have made the first official bid for the 23-year-old.
“Arsenal have made an official bid for Locatelli. They’re pushing hard to sign Manuel and it’s an important bid… we will see. Juventus also want Locatelli and we have a special relationship with them. A new meeting has been scheduled with Juve.”
Juve and Arsenal after Locatelli
Juventus’ link with the midfielder comes as added headache for the Reds if they want to see Locatelli at Anfield next season. Even if no midfielder is signed, Curtis Jones could perhaps play a bigger role for the Reds next season.
But the added stability and depth that a new signing like Locatelli could provide would certainly relax Jurgen Klopp and Liverpool fans a bit more, especially after the club’s injury crisis last year.
Even if the Reds lose out on the Italian, which could be the case considering Arsenal’s strong interest, they should still not abandon the search for a new midfielder.
More Liverpool News:
- Liverpool fans react as Rafael Benitez set to become Everton manager
- Transfer News: Liverpool offer €23m plus Marko Grujic for Otavio
- Liverpool told to pay at least €100m for Kingsley Coman
Strengthening the team is important, especially in areas where there are outgoings. If the club are serious about winning silverware, they would know the importance of squad depth in that regard.
