Sassuolo midfielder Manuel Locatelli 'turns down Arsenal move'

Sassuolo midfielder Manuel Locatelli has reportedly turned down the chance to move to Arsenal this summer.

The Gunners are in the transfer market for central midfield reinforcements following the departures of Dani Ceballos – who has returned to parent club Real Madrid – as well as Matteo Guendouzi, who has joined Marseille on a season-long loan deal.

With Granit Xhaka and Lucas Torreira two more players who could be set for the exit door, head coach Mikel Arteta has identified Locatelli as one of his primary targets.

However, Goal reports that Locatelli is not interested in joining Arsenal and may prefer a move to Serie A giants Juventus, who are also looking to pursue the midfielder.

Locatelli, who will see his contract expire in June 2023, is believed to be valued at around £34m but this is currently a figure the Gunners are not prepared to pay.

The Italian, who has been a standout performer for the Azzurri at Euro 2020, made 34 Serie A appearances for Sassuolo during the 2020-21 campaign, scoring four goals and providing three assists.