Arsenal have not given up hope of signing Manuel Locatelli despite only joining Juventus permanently this season.
The Gunners are still looking to add depth to their midfield despite Granit Xhaka's massive improvement in form and Thomas Partey's return from injury. Fabio Vieira is seen as a more creative midfielder than one that can sit or play as a double-pivot, and Albert Sambi Lokonga has struggled to make an impact under Mikel Arteta.
Edu was after a new midfielder this summer to help strengthen Arteta's squad and made late attempts to sign Aston Villa's Douglas Luiz after missing out on Lucas Paqueta. They may well now turn to a former target that they have looked at for a while, though.
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Having joined on loan last season ahead of a £31m move this summer, Manuel Locatelli has remained a target for the Gunners and was even on their list before his big switch to the Old Lady. The 24-year-old had a standout Euro 2020 performance which also attracted the attention of Manchester United to report the Sun, but the Red Devils signed Casemiro from Real Madrid this summer instead.
Even with seven wins in eight matches and sitting top of the league, Arsenal are looking to add to their squad and are planning for the January transfer window and next summer already. According to Calciomercato, Arsenal have sounded out an early move for the Italian and have been in touch with his representatives, who indicate that he would be open to a move.
It is also stated that the strength of Arsenal's admiration for the player should not be understated after previously making a £34m bid of their own last year. Juventus now sit in seventh place after eight games and are under pressure in Serie A, having lost their crown to AC Milan and Inter Milan over the past two seasons.
With Arsenal on the up and Juventus struggling, there could be a newfound attraction from Locatelli's side to come and test himself in England. Having loaned out-of-favour midfielder Denis Zakaria to Chelsea as well as seeing the departures of Aaron Ramsey and Arthur, Massimiliano Allegri is more reliant on Locatelli now than he may have forseen. The Italian club are already working without Paul Pogba after a damaging injury is keeping him out.
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