Arsenal have been urged to go out and sign Italian midfielder Manuel Locatelli. Former Gunners star Kevin Campbell believes Locatelli would be the perfect fit to partner Thomas Party in central midfield at the Emirates.
The 23-year-old has caught the eye of big clubs across Europe with his displays at Euro 2020.
The Sassuolo star was expected to join Juventus, but the Italian giants’ cash-strapped situation means that the door could be open to Arsenal.
“It would be huge if we can get him,” Campbell said. “We have seen what a great player he is at the Euros.
“Normally, Italians like to stay in their own country, especially when Juventus come calling. But the great thing for Arsenal is Juventus do not have the money anymore. With financial fair play they have to box straight.
“It gives Arsenal a great opportunity to get a world-class midfielder in beside Thomas Partey. Go for it. Go and get him, please Arsenal.”
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Arsenal are reportedly willing to spend as much as £250million to secure their preferred targets this summer, as manager Mikel Arteta looks to build a squad capable of lifting the club back to the top tier of English football.
Yves Bissouma, James Maddison, Norwich full-back Max Aarons and Brighton centre-half Ben White are also all of interest to Arsenal.
And the five players, including Locatelli, are all under 25, fitting the preferred profile of the club’s transfer targets, as they prioritise players with growth and sell-on value.
Arsenal's transfer records (Image: REACH PLC)
The club have already made one big move to strengthen their squad in the long-term, but securing left-back Kieran Tierney to a long-term contract.
And Arteta feels that Tierney has the calibre to even captain the Gunners one day.
“I think he can be Arsenal captain as he has the respect and admiration of every member of the staff and every player,” the Arsenal head coach said.
“It is just the way he is. He does it in a natural way.
“He is a really shy boy as well but he represents all of us in the club; all of the values that we want to instill and are in the DNA in this club.”