Agent of Juve wonderkid Fagioli rules out swap deal for Locatelli, claims “Arsenal have bid €40m” for Euro 2020 star
The agent of Juventus wonderkid Nicolo Fagioli says his client will not be used as a makeweight in a deal to sign Sassuolo midfielder Manuel Locatelli, before claiming Arsenal have lodged a €40m bid for the Euro 2020 winner.
Locatelli, 23, was a standout performer in Serie A last season, registering the most touches (3,304), passes (2,749) and final third entries (446) of any player, as well as the second-most successful passes into the opposition half (305) and the second-most tackles (81).
His form naturally saw him called up to Roberto Mancini Italy’s squad for Euro 2020, where he went on to star in the groups, notably netting a well-executed brace in the 3-0 win over Switzerland to confirm the Azzurri‘s progression to the knockout rounds.
Manuel Locatelli is the first #ITA player to score 2+ goals in a single European Championship game since Mario Balotelli in *that* game against Germany at Euro 2012.
Any excuse to use the iconic image. #EURO2020 pic.twitter.com/RmM2t0Uako
— Squawka Football (@Squawka) June 16, 2021
Given his prominence at both club and international level it is no wonder Locatelli’s name has been heavily linked with numerous heavyweight clubs across the continent, two of which have been confirmed by the agent of another Italian midfielder.
Fagioli, 20, made his Serie A debut in February for The Old Lady and is highly regarded in Turin, but there has been speculation that Juve would be willing to offer him as part of a swap deal in an attempt to sign Locatelli, a possibility vehemently denied by his agent.
Fagioli’s representative, Andrea D’Amico, told Sky Italia: “I think Massimiliano Allegri wants to see him [Fagioli] in training to understand if he can be useful during the season.
“When he played against SPAL and Crotone last term, he proved he can be a protagonist of Juventus’ future.
“Juventus would like to sign Locatelli and Arsenal have already offered €40m.
“But I can ensure you that, as of today, Fagioli has not been included in the deal.”
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“Official bid” lodged for Manuel Locatelli, says Sassuolo CEO
The latest developments come after Sassuolo’s chief executive Giovanni Carnevali revealed the Gunners had tabled an “official bid” earlier this month, without disclosing the figure put forward.
“It’s true that there are foreign clubs interested, including Arsenal, and so far they are ahead,” Carnevali said.
“Arsenal have made an official bid for Locatelli. They’re pushing hard to sign Manuel and it’s an important bid. We will see.”
