Transfer News: Liverpool handed boost in race for Manuel Locatelli

According to transfer news from Sky Sport Italia (h/t Daily Mail), Juventus are struggling to get a deal for Sassuolo midfielder Manuel Locatelli over the line, handing Liverpool a boost in pursuit of the 23-year-old.

A product of the AC Milan academy, Locatelli moved to Sassuolo in 2018, initially on loan, before making the transfer permanent a year later. The Italian midfielder has grown into one of the most consistent and reliable performers in his position in Serie A over the past two years.

Locatelli, on the back of this, has carved out a place for himself in the Italy national team as well and was part of the squad that won the UEFA Euro 2020 earlier this month. The 23-year-old’s stock has been on a rapid rise, with a number of clubs lining up to sign him.

Manuel Locatelli is a man in demand (imago Images)

Indeed, Juventus have made him their top transfer target this summer while Arsenal have also been interested. And, Liverpool, too, entered the race for the signing of the Italian international recently.

Locatelli, though, is said to prefer a move to Juventus. However, his wishes might not come to fruition as the Bianconeri are struggling to get the deal over the line. Sassuolo are demanding a transfer fee of £34m, which the Old Lady are not in a position to pay and, thus, are looking for a two-year loan deal with an option to buy. (h/t Daily Mail)

This will now come as a boost for Liverpool, who have an open window to swoop for the Italian international and beat Juventus to his signing.

Netherlands Gini Wijnaldum Liverpool UEFA Euros 2020 Ukraine goal. — Gini Wijnaldum has left Liverpool to join PSG (Image: @gwijnaldum on Twitter)

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Liverpool need a midfielder following the exit of Georginio Wijnaldum. And, Locatelli would be an ideal fit into the side, while potentially giving his best years to the club. It now remains to be seen if the Reds make the most of Juve’s struggles to land the Sassuolo star.