Arsenal blow: Gunners 'out of race' for Manuel Locatelli as Juventus prepare final bid

Arsenal linked with Locatelli

It has been quite apparent for much of the summer window that Arsenal have been eyeing up reinforcements in the midfield of the park.

The Gunners have already brought in 21-year-old Albert Sambi Lokonga from Belgian outfit Anderlecht.

And, despite his lack of experience, Lokonga has impressed in the limited minutes he has had in an Arsenal shirt to date.

However, it does appear as though Arsenal had been looking to add another more experienced central midfielder in as well.

One name heavily linked through the summer had been Manuel Locatelli.

Sassuolo's CEO even claimed in June that Arsenal had made an official bid for the midfielder:

Sassuolo CEO Carnevali to Sky Sport: “Arsenal have made an official bid for Locatelli. They’re pushing hard to sign Manuel and it’s an important bid... we will see.

Also Juventus want Locatelli and we’ve a special relationship with them. We’ve a new meeting scheduled with Juve”.

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) June 30, 2021

Arsenal out of Locatelli race

However, Arsenal look to have spent the summer competing for Locatelli with Serie A giants, Juventus:

Juventus met with Sassuolo today. Opening bid for Locatelli: loan with obligation to buy for €30m. Sassuolo refused. Negotiations with Juve will continue as they’re Locatelli’s priority. 🇮🇹 #Juve

Sassuolo want €40m as they know Arsenal would be prepared to pay this fee. #AFC

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 16, 2021

And now, it does appear as though Arsenal have been pipped to the services of Locatelli by Juve.

As per Fabrizio Romano, Juventus are ready to submit their final to bid to Sassuolo in order to sign Locatelli this week.

It is added that Arsenal are out of the race and the Italian only wants Juventus:

Juventus are ready to submit their final bid to Sassuolo in order to sign Manuel Locatelli this week. The agreement is set to be reached for €35m - deal structure still not completed, final details. ⚪️⚫️🇮🇹 #Juve @SkySport

Arsenal out of the race - Locatelli only wants Juventus.

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 16, 2021