Liverpool have reportedly ‘entered the race’ for Sassuolo midfielder Manuel Locatelli this summer.
The 23-year-old is wanted by Serie A giants Juventus following a superb European Championship campaign for trophy winners Italy.
Premier League interest has also been forthcoming from Arsenal whilst Sassuolo CEO Giovanni Carnevali has recently revealed an additional English club has shown an interest in Locatelli.
According to Italian newspaper La Gazzetta dello Sport (via Football Italia), as cited by Football Transfers on Twitter, that club may just be Liverpool.
Twitter:
BREAKING: Liverpool have entered the race for Manuel Locatelli
.The Reds are expected to make an offer soon. Sa… https://t.co/dpJfTX2kJW (@Transferzone00)
Juventus and Sassuolo are believed to be planning another meeting in an attempt to thrash out a deal – but the Old Lady are currently some way short of a £34million asking price.
Capped on 15 occasions at senior level by the Azzuri, Locatelli scored twice whilst earning an average Sofascore rating of 7.12 during Euro 2020.
Last season, the ace described as ‘intelligent’ by Dion Dublin scored four times and registered another three assists in 34 Serie A appearances.
READ LIVERPOOL VERDICT
Valued at £31.5million and under contract until 2023 (Transfermarkt), signing Locatelli for the mooted asking price would be extraordinary business for whoever pulls it off.
In need of an additional midfield option following the departure of Gini Wijnaldum to Paris Saint-Germain, the Italian ace boasts an impressive injury record to rival the departed Dutchman.
Predominantly a defensive-minded operator, Locatelli has shown his abilities going forwards against Switzerland to score twice and could be a player with plenty more in the way of development.
