Arsenal make opening bid for Sassuolo star Manuel Locatelli

Arsenal have made an opening bid to sign Sassuolo midfielder Manuel Locatelli this summer, Calciomercato reports.

The Gunners recently signed Albert Sambi Lokonga from Anderlecht, but they are eyeing another midfielder with Granit Xhaka's likely exit.

Locatelli has emerged as the prime transfer target, and Calciomercato claims that they have made a bid of €40 million.

Sassuolo have acknowledged the offer, but they are still in negotiations with Juventus due to the player's preference to join them.

The Bianconeri are reluctant to pay any fee up front. They have proposed a two-year loan with an obligation to buy for €30m.

Sassuolo have rejected the proposal, but talks are expected to continue between the clubs over the coming weeks.

The Gunners are still optimistic that the player will change his stance, and join them before next month's deadline.

Arsenal have made two signings in Nuno Tavares and Lokonga this summer, and they are expected to land Ben White next week.