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‘That’s what is real’: £34m sensation discusses transfer rumours amid Arsenal interest
Manuel Locatelli has explained – via the – how Italy supporters are helping the midfielder ignore transfer interest from Arsenal.
Locatelli has been one of the early sensations of Euro 2020 after playing a leading role in Roberto Mancini’s Azzurri. His two goals on Wednesday night helped Italy beat Switzerland 3-0 and book their place in the knockout stages.
The Sassuolo midfielder’s efforts are earning him vast admirers across the continent, with Arsenal and Juventus cited by the . The Gunners had begun monitoring Locatelli before the European Championship started, but also face a £34million asking price.
Arsenal will struggle to edge interest from Juventus if the Old Lady submit an offer for Locatelli this summer. Mikel Arteta was unable to secure European football in north London last season, while Andrea Pirlo clutched Champions League qualification.
Locatelli is not letting the gossip surrounding his club future effect his Euro 2020 efforts, though. Instead, he claims the Italy fans adorning the streets around Rome on route to the Stadio Olimpico have been enough to keep his eyes on the prize.
“When you’re involved in such an important competition, you’re only focused on the task in hand,” he . “We see the kids in the street when we travel to our games waving flags, so it’s quite easy to stay focused on the match.
“I’m focused on what happens on the pitch because that’s what is real. Everything else is just gossip and there’s no point worrying about it.”
TBR’s view: Arsenal would love to have Locatelli
Locatelli claiming his focus is solely on Euro 2020 is no surprise despite Arsenal and Juventus being interested. Italy have started the tournament on fire with the Sassuolo maestro playing a metronomic role in the engine room.
His two goals on Wednesday night were things of beauty, as well. Locatelli sprayed a first-time volley to Domenico Berardi before sprinting half the pitch to break the deadlock. He then fired home in the second half a lethal hit from the edge of the box.
Arsenal would love to have Locatelli in their ranks next season, if Sassuolo’s £34m fee is not too obstructive. He could well be the missing piece beside Thomas Partey that Arteta needs. But the road to bringing him to the Emirates Stadium may be long.