Juventus await ‘important offer’ from Arsenal as Barcelona ‘plan talks’ for Gunners target

Arsenal are reportedly set to revisit their interest in Juventus and Italy midfielder Manuel Locatelli during the summer transfer window.

The 25-year-old is currently in the midst of a two-year loan deal with the Bianconeri after joining them from Sassuolo in August 2021. The move is set to become permanent at the end of the season in a reported £30m - but CalcioMercatoWeb have stated Arsenal ‘could return to the negotiating table’ in an attempt to bring the midfielder to the Emirates Stadium.

Intriguingly, the report also claims Juventus ‘would not oppose’ allowing Locatelli to depart if ‘an important offer’ is received and they could make an attempt to include current Gunners midfielder Granit Xhaka in any deal.

La Liga giants provide competition for highly-rated youngster

Arsenal have been credited with an interest in Brazilian wonderkid Vitor Roque on several occasions in recent months.

The 17-year-old striker has been in fine form for Athletico Paranaense over the last year and helped Brazil’s Under-20s to success in the South American Championship recently by plundering his way to six goals in eight games during the tournament.

His form has led to comparisons with Brazil legend Ronaldo, and his current manager, Luiz Felipe Scolari, who also oversaw the development of the former Real Madrid striker, believes the youngster has a big future ahead of him.

Speaking last year, he said: “He is someone who knows how to play in that area of the pitch, is able to constantly find space and participates well in other aspects of the game. He is the kind of No.9 that I wouldn't have wanted to mark when I was playing.

“He will grow a lot. He will be one of the players that Brazil will gain great pleasure from, and we will see if he will continue to develop in the position he plays.”

It was reported earlier this month that the Gunners has initiated ‘exploratory contacts’ to kickstart their bid to land the striker but their hopes have been dealt a blow after Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo revealed current La Liga leaders Barcelona have already met with the player’s agent Andre Cury. The report suggests the Catalan giants believe they are ‘first in the race’ to sign Roque and see the youngster as the natural successor to current striker Robert Lewandowski.