Juventus ‘are still unable to agree a deal to sign Sassuolo midfielder Manuel Locatelli due to an impasse over his £35m price tag’… but more talks are planned next week with the Old Lady favourites’ ahead of Arsenal
- Manuel Locatelli attracted interest after starring for Italy during Euro 2020
- Juventus are in pole position to sign him but remain unable to thrash out a deal
- There is an impasse over his price tag and more talks will take place next week
- Arsenal tabled a bid earlier this summer with Sassuolo open to selling Locatelli
Juventus are struggling in their pursuit of Sassuolo midfielder Manuel Locatelli after reportedly remaining unable to agree a deal after the first meeting.
There is an impasse over the price tag for Locatelli, who has caught the eye of several teams from around Europe after Euro 2020, and further talks are planned.
Goal have claimed that another summit will take place next week instead, with Juventus hopeful of finally reaching an agreement over the finances.
Juventus are struggling to buy Sassuolo and Italy star Manuel Locatelli with more talks planned
Locatelli has been a target for Juventus for a number of months, it is believed, and the Italy international is also keen to make the move to Turin.
So far, however, Sassuolo have remained steadfast over their asking price of €40 million (£35m), with the Old Lady currently unwilling to match it.
Sky Sport Italia believe that their proposed deal was worth €35m (£29.8m), but there is also speculation that Juventus may look to take him on loan.
Locatelli has caught the eye of several clubs around Europe after impressing during Euro 2020
As a result, Sassuolo have reportedly baulked at one of the clauses not being an obligation to buy if Juventus qualify for the Champions League.
But Juventus vice-chairman Pavel Nedvev has insisted that their valuation is ‘appropriate’ after the club tabled their bid.
‘We spoke to Sassuolo and we made our offer, which we believe is appropriate for the current climate, with the way finances and the transfer market have been affected by Covid,’ he told Sport Mediaset.
‘We are convinced this is a good offer and it is the right one. We are always confident, naturally in negotiations there are things that must be clarified and resolved. When you want a player and that player wants you, it’s clear.’
Juventus vice-president Pavel Nedved has insisted the club’s valuation of Locatelli is a fair one
Locatelli has also courted interest from the Premier League, with Arsenal confirmed to have made a bid of their own earlier this summer.
Giovanni Carnevali, Sassuolo’s CEO, revealed that the offer was made by the hierarchy at the Emirates, although Juventus remain firmly in the driving seat.
Carnevali told Sky Sport Italia: ‘Tomorrow we’ll have a direct contact with Juventus for Locatelli. He wants to join Juve.
‘We’d be happy to sell Manuel (Locatelli) to Juve, but they need to pay the right fee.
Arsenal have also tabled an offer for Locatelli (left) but Juventus remain firmly in pole position
‘Arsenal made a bid to sign him and also a new English club is now in the race’.
Carnevali also issued a warning to Locatelli’s suitors, telling them they must wrap up negotiations in good time, otherwise the 23-year-old will not be allowed to leave.
Speaking to Gazzetta dello Sport, he said: ‘We’re waiting for the right bid for Locatelli. If it doesn’t arrive, he’ll stay here.
‘We’re not going to sell our best players later in August.’
