Arsenal’s £34.3m Manuel Locatelli bid revealed as Sassuolo chief explains Juventus transfer

Sassuolo CEO, Giovanni Carnevali, has revealed the details behind Manuel Locatelli’s move to Juventus, admitting that the midfielder snubbed a move to Arsenal.

The 23-year-old, who impressed under Roberto Mancini for Italy at Euro 2020, has joined Massimiliano Allegri’s side on an initial two-year loan move with an eventual obligation to pay €37.5million (£32m).

That is despite the Gunners submitting an improved €40million (£34.3m) bid.

Locatelli played himself into the shop window this summer making five appearances at the European Championships guiding his country to glory, scoring twice as he dazzled fans with his late runs into the box.

Following a fruitful summer, Locatelli learned the interest of Juventus and was instantly fixated on the Old Lady despite Mikel Arteta’s side offering him, and Sassuolo, more money, Calciomercato report.

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The Italian outlet revealed that Juventus offered Locatelli €3.5million (£3m) a year after tax at the Bianconeri, but he would have got €5.5million (£4.7m) after tax had he moved to north London.

Following Locatelli’s move to Juventus, Sassuolo came under fire with many questioning the club’s ambition having just sold a star player to a league rival oppose to Arsenal.

Speaking to Gazzetta di Modena, Carnevali defended Sassuolo’s decision accepting that a move for Locatelli to the Premier League would have been preferable, but reaffirmed the midfielder’s desire to join Juventus instead.

Carnevali said: “[It’s] not easy to understand for those who do not have the skills. This operation has brought a positive result and benefits to both clubs, even if certain technicalities are complicated to explain.

“Surely it is wrong to say and think that we ‘gave’ Locatelli to Juve for two years, someone even spoke of an immoral operation.

The transfer window is in full swing and things are beginning to ramp up with Edu and Mikel Arteta’s dealings at the Emirates.

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“These are senseless concepts. The reality is that at the end of the 2022/23 season for Juve, the obligation to sell will be triggered and we will be guaranteed to collect the over 37 million agreed upon.”

The Sassuolo CEO continued as he detailed that no matter what sum of money Arsenal offered, it would have been difficult to persuade Locatelli against a move to the 36-time Serie A champions.

He said: “They offered us 40 million, but Locatelli’s will was to go only to Juventus and we did everything to please him. A request, that of Arsenal, which cost us something…”

Another of Sassuolo’s stars that had fans turning their heads at the Euro 2020 was Italian winger, Domenico Beradi, who also excelled under Mancini and was subject to various interest this summer.

However, Carnevali announced that like the Locatelli deal, a deadline was set for the potential departure of Beradi, but no suitors came forward.

He said: “At the time we were clear with Domenico’s agents giving them a deadline. Concrete offers at that date did not bring any, now we are at the end of the market and we have to plan .

“Just like Locatelli and Berardi, Boga also asked us to try other experiences. We listened to him and the agents, but no concrete offers have arrived as of August 12th.”

https://www.football.london/arsenal-fc/transfer-news/arsenal-transfer-manuel-locatelli-juventus-21369097

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