Sassuolo CEO Giovanni Carnevali has revealed that Manuel Locatelli turned down a move to Arsenal in order to sign for Juventus.
The 23-year-old was thought to have been on the Gunners' radar after claiming four goals and three assists in the 2020-21 Serie A season, as well as netting twice en route to the Euro 2020 crown with Italy.
However, Juventus ultimately won the race for Locatelli's services on a loan deal with an obligation to buy in the summer of 2023, but Carnevali has confirmed that the Gunners' interest was genuine.
Speaking to La Gazzetta di Modena, Carnevali said: "Arsenal offered us €40m (£34.1m), but Locatelli's desire was to go only to Juventus and we did everything to please him."
Locatelli left Sassuolo after scoring seven goals and assisting 11 more in 99 appearances for the club, while he reunites with Massimiliano Allegri at Juve following their stint at AC Milan.
Meanwhile, Arsenal are not expected to move for another central midfielder this month after the Kroenkes confirmed that Granit Xhaka had signed an extension in North London.
Ben Knapton
