Juventus look to beat Arsenal to signing of Italy’s Manuel Locatelli

Juventus will hold further talks with Sassuolo in the next few days over the possible signing of the Italy midfielder Manuel Locatelli, a player who is also coveted by Arsenal.

Sassuolo are holding out for €40m (£34.3m) for the Euro 2020 winner, who scored twice in the 3-0 victory against Switzerland and played in five out of the seven games as Italy went all the way to clinch the Euro 2020 title.

Juventus have offered €30m but as a loan for the 2021-22 season and and obligation to buy next summer. Sassuolo have turned down the initial offer and told Juve that they are not interested in a loan plus obligation to buy transfer. They want an outright transfer this summer.

The player wants to play Champions League football next season and therefore would prefer to join Juventus. Arsenal are prepared to pay the asking price of €40m but are now waiting to see what happens between Juventus and Sassuolo before making a move.

Arsenal have agreed a deal to sign defender Ben White from Brighton for £50m, with the England defender set to commit to a contract running until 2026, once he returns from holiday to complete a medical. Albert Sambi Lokonga will also join until 2026 from Anderlecht after the two clubs settled on a fee of €17.5m (£15m) plus €4.5m (£3.85m) in potential add-ons.