Juventus ‘unable to reach deal to sign Manuel Locatelli after struggling to meet Sassuolo’s demands

Juventus ‘unable to reach deal for Manuel Locatelli after struggling to meet Sassuolo’s £34m demands’… so could Liverpool or Arsenal now leapfrog them to sign the midfielder?

  • Juventus have been unable to meet the £34m asking price for Manuel Locatelli 
  • Sassuolo are in negotiations with Juve but the fee has proved a sticking point
  • Juve’s failure to agree a deal could open the door for Liverpool or Arsenal

Juventus have been locked in talks with Sassuolo to sign Italy midfielder Manuel Locatelli but are struggling to get the deal over the line after balking at their fellow Serie A club’s £34million asking price.

Locatelli emerged as a top midfielder for the future after a sensational Euro 2020 campaign as Italy won the tournament, scoring two goals in his side’s 3-0 win over Switzerland in the group stages.

Juventus have long been keen in signing the 23-year-old and have stepped up their interest in him after the tournament as they look to bolster their squad after a disappointing last season in which they surrendered their nine-year stranglehold on the Serie A title and scraped their way into the top four.

Juventus want to sign Italy midfielder Manuel Locatelli but are reluctant to pay £34m for him

Coach Massimiliano Allegri wants to add Locatelli to his squad as Juve look to reclaim the title

Coach Massimiliano Allegri wants to add Locatelli to his squad as Juve look to reclaim the title

But according to a report from Sky Sport Italia, the move is taking a while to go through as Juventus are unwilling to pay Sassuolo’s asking price.

The report says Juve have met with Sassuolo on three occasions about Locatelli but have been unable to thrash out a deal.

Sassuolo are demanding 40million euros (£34m) but Juve, who are struggling with the financial impact of the coronavirus pandemic, would rather sign Locatelli on a two-year loan with an option to buy.

Midfielder Locatelli was one of Italy's star performers as they won the European Championship

Midfielder Locatelli was one of Italy’s star performers as they won the European Championship

Juve are taking a few days to reflect and are set to meet Sassuolo again in the next few days to continue negotiations, added the report. 

Arsenal are reported to have made a bid for Locatelli while reports in Italy this week claimed Liverpool are ready to enter the race. 

Juventus are understood to be the midfielder’s preference but Arsenal or Liverpool could now leapfrog them if they can meet Sassuolo’s valuation.

The Serie A club want a resolution to Locatelli’s future over the next couple of weeks so they can try to reinvest the money on a replacement before the transfer window closes.

Jurgen Klopp's Liverpool emerged as a potential landing spot for Locatelli this week

Arsenal have long been linked with the Italian and will be boosted by news of Juventus' failure to agree a deal

Juventus’ failure to agree a deal could open the door for Liverpool or Arsenal to sign Locatelli

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