Arsenal prepared to pay €40m for Manuel Locatelli?

Arsenal are reportedly prepared to pay €40m for Sassuolo midfielder Manuel Locatelli this summer.

The north London outfit are expected to sign Anderlecht midfielder Albert Sambi Lokonga, but they are eyeing another experienced signing.

Locatelli has emerged as one of their top targets, and reputed journalist Fabrizio Romano claims that they are willing to meet the €40m price tag.

However, they are still lagging behind Juventus, as Locatelli is interested in making the move to the Turin giants this summer.

Juventus have proposed a season-long loan deal with an option to buy for €30m. The offer has been rejected by Sassuolo.

The Bianconeri are expected to make a fresh move. The lack of breakthrough could boost the Gunners' chances of signing him.

The Gunners are on the cusp of offloading Granit Xhaka to Roma. A deal of around €18m could be finalised for the transfer this month.

They are eyeing at least two new central midfielders. Lokonga will be announced as an Arsenal player after his quarantine.