Sought-after Sassuolo starlet Manuel Locatelli is keen to join Juventus this summer amid speculations about foreign interest. According to Tuttosport, the Italian has prioritized a move to the Allianz Stadium over an abroad switch.
Currently enjoying a pinnacle of his career with Italy at Euro 2020, Locatelli has emerged as a transfer target for several top European clubs, including Manchester City. The 23-year-old has excelled since departing Milan in 2018 and is currently Italy’s headline performer at the European Championship.
Juventus added Locatelli close to the top of their summer shopping list before the beginning of the tournament but are now afraid they could be priced out of the deal by Sassuolo. The deep-lying playmaker had a substantial €40million price tag pinned on his head ahead of the Euros, but given his recent displays, his valuation is expected to skyrocket.
Meanwhile, the Bianconeri remain hopeful of bringing Paul Pogba back from Manchester United as Massimiliano Allegri pushes for a reunion with the French superstar. However, the Serie A giants are aware of the Paris Saint-Germain’s ongoing talks with the player’s entourage Mino Raiola, who has recently helped them land Gianluigi Donnarumma.
PSG are confident of getting the deal over the line by relying on a friendly relationship between Raiola and Les Parisiens’ bigwig Nasser Al-Khelaifi. The Qatari businessman has tasked the super-agent with facilitating Pogba’s switch to the Parc des Princes as the Old Trafford exit appears to be a near-certainty.
Juventus cannot match PSG’s economic capacity and are, therefore, forced to explore other options. Locatelli is a profile Allegri wants to have in his ranks next season, but the Turin outfit will have to move quickly to avoid the prospect of being blown out of the water by other suitors.