Should Arsenal sign Locatelli?

 
Manuel Locatelli and Bukayo Saka

Should Arsenal sign Italy midfielder and Euro 2020 star Manuel Locatelli?

By Josh Graham

Every major international tournament brings a host of new stars to the global footballing world’s attention, and Euro 2020 was no different.

One of the Italy players who crushed English dreams in the final was central midfielder Manuel Locatelli.

Reports suggest the Gunners have already submitted a bid for the Sassuolo star, but should Mikel Arteta push hard to land his man?

Yes - Locatelli could be missing jigsaw piece


It is no surprise that those in the charge of recruitment at the Emirates continue to pursue a central midfielder to bolster their options in the middle of the park. 

Dani Ceballos and Martin Odegaard have both returned to Real Madrid after loan spells and Granit Xhaka 
is reportedly close to signing for AS Roma to link up with Jose Mourinho.

Lucas Torreira and Matteo Guendouzi are another pair returning from loans away who do not look to have a long-term future in North London.

Locatelli, 23, showed Gooners exactly what he could bring to the Premier League when he scored a goal in each half against Switzerland to help eventual champions Italy win 3-0 and secure a place in the Last 16.

After coming through the ranks at AC Milan, Locatelli found a loving home at Sassuolo where he said he felt more valued.

Arteta’s tight group would welcome the star as a highly respected member of the squad, and he could form an exciting partnership with Thomas Partey.

The Gunners are thought to have offered £34million to bring Locatelli to London.

No - Arsenal is not Locatelli’s first choice


Locatelli has no shortage of admirers after his exploits at the delayed Euros and Juventus appears to be his preferred destination.

Reports suggest he favours a move to the Old Lady to stay in Italy, although before this summer’s tournament began, he did not rule out a move abroad.

The lure of Champions League football, or for that matter any European football at all, is a carrot Arsenal can no longer dangle in front of prospective new signings after last year’s disappointing eighth-place finish. 

With Locatelli not fixed on a move to Arsenal, surely the Gunners are better off investing in their homegrown talent.

The likes of Ainsley Maitland-Niles and Joe Willock are back from West Brom and Newcastle and certainly have shown in previous bursts that they have what it takes to make the cut.

And sporting director Edu has already shown his hand in the transfer market by signing midfielder Albert Sambi Lokonga for £17m from Anderlecht.

The 21-year-old captained the Belgian side at the back end of last year and has the makings of a real star. 

Conclusion


Undoubtedly Locatelli would be a fine coup for Arsenal but £34m is a lot to pay for a player who sees the club as more of a back-up option.

Arteta should get the best out of what he’s already got before worrying too much about splashing the cash on Euro 2020 hotshots that have made it clear they fancy a stab at the Champions League. 

Image Credit: Getty Images

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