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Sassuolo midfielder Manuel Locatelli has reaffirmed that his focus is solely on the European Championship amid heavy interest across Europe, including from Arsenal. He has played an eye-catching role in Italy's stellar campaign so far this summer, and transfer speculation is subsequently rife.
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Locatelli is focusing on what's 'real' and has suggested that seeing Italian children on the streets ahead of games inspires the team to bring success to the nation.
"When you're involved in such an important competition, you're only focused on the task in hand," Locatelli explained.
"We see the kids in the street when we travel to our games waving flags, so it's quite easy to stay focused on the match.
"I'm focused on what happens on the pitch because that's what is real. Everything else is just gossip and there's no point worrying about it."
Italy are the first team through to the Euro 2020 round of 16 after also thumping Turkey 3-0 in Rome on the tournament's opening night.
Manuel Locatelli scored twice in Wednesday's 3-0 win over Switzerland. (Image: GETTY)
Despite his apparent focus on the European Championship, Locatelli hasn't ruled out a Sassuolo departure this summer.
In fact, the young midfielder has hinted that he's open to moving abroad upon the completion of Euro 2020 amid reported interest from Arsenal.
He said: "Why not? Playing abroad is an option for me, and I'm not closing the door to anything."
With links to Brighton & Hove Albion's Yves Bissouma also surfacing this summer, it seems like Mikel Arteta is keen to add to his midfield ranks ahead of the 2021/22 season.
Based on his impact at Euro 2020 alone, Locatelli certainly poses as a quality option should he be available.