Arsenal to swoop for Italian midfielder?

Arsenal are reportedly considering an approach for highly-rated Sassuolo midfielder Manuel Locatelli.

Mikel Arteta is looking for new midfield options with Dani Ceballos returning to Real Madrid while Granit Xhaka is set to join Roma.

Brighton & Hove Albion's Yves Bissouma has been heavily linked, but Sky Italy claims that Locatelli is another midfield target.

The 23-year-old had an impressive 2020/21 campaign for Sassuolo, registering four goals and three assists from 34 league games.

His progress has caught the eye of several European clubs including Juventus and Premier League rivals Manchester United.

The Italy international is valued at around £40m. The Gunners could struggle to lure him without European football next season.

The Gunners finished eighth in the league standings last season, and missed out on Europe for the first time in 26 years.

There is expected to be a major midfield reshuffle with Matteo Guendouzi and Lucas Torreira also fancied to leave.

Both were out on loan last season, and are deemed surplus to requirements.