Arsenal’s January recruitment has been beneath growing scrutiny on account of a rising damage disaster in attacking areas, however the membership’s switch focus has already moved on to the summer season window.
The Gunners have misplaced Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli to accidents, whereas Gabriel Jesus and now Kai Havertz are anticipated to overlook the remainder of the season . Arsenal’s Premier League title problem hasn’t but been derailed however Mikel Arteta might want to discover an attacking repair to maintain them on monitor.
As the eye shifts to summer season targets, a beforehand linked participant has re-emerged as a attainable Arsenal signing forward of the 2025/26 season.
Kai Havertz is Arsenal’s newest damage casualty (Picture credit score: Alamy)
In line with reporting by JuveLive , Arteta stays an admirer of Juventus midfielder Manuel Locatelli and is eager to take him to North London in the summertime for a charge of €25 million.
Italian worldwide Locatelli was linked with Arsenal earlier than transferring to Juventus from Sassuolo, initially on mortgage, in 2021. The previous AC Milan teenager has been capped 30 instances by Italy and has impressed for Juve this season.
Juventus midfielder Manuel Locatelli (Picture credit score: Harry Langer/DeFodi Photographs through Getty Photographs)
The 27-year-old is amongst Europe’s most dependable midfield all-rounders, rating within the prime ten gamers within the so-called Massive 5 leagues for progressive passes and passes into the ultimate third, in addition to within the prime ten in Serie A for tackles gained and third for blocks.
He’s began 21 instances in Serie A this season beneath Thiago Motta, ranked at quantity 19 in FourFourTwo ‘s listing of the very best managers on this planet proper now , and has featured in eight of Juve’s Champions League fixtures.
Locatelli’s contract was prolonged in November 2023 and runs for one more three and a half years. The Premier League could be a draw and Juventus are reportedly keen to hearken to presents for the midfield man.
Whereas Sport Witness describes the €25m determine as ‘delusional’ , JuveLive studies that monetary issues will play a component and “confronted with a convincing proposal, Juventus won’t oppose his departure.”
Arsenal supervisor Mikel Arteta (Picture credit score: Getty Photographs)
Motta can name upon Douglas Luiz, Teun Koopmeiners and Weston McKennie amongst his midfield alternate options, although none is a direct substitute ought to Juventus resolve to promote Locatelli.
Arsenal have Declan Rice, Jorginho and Thomas Partey to select from together with a lot of extra attack-minded midfield gamers, however might be anticipated to compete on 4 fronts once more subsequent season.
Arteta is going through the implications of Havertz’s loss and an absence of depth at centre ahead this season. The Gunners’ recruitment group might be wanting to verify they don’t fall quick in different departments after the summer season switch window.
Arsenal tackle Leicester Metropolis on Saturday as Premier League motion returns this weekend.