Juventus begin talks to sign their top 2021 transfer target

Even as Juventus remain in the fight in Serie A and must finish the season strong, they are already looking towards the future at the necessary upgrades in the 2021 summer transfer market. Everyone knows this Juve midfield is not at the level necessary for the club to compete at the highest level, and it’s been a unit severely lacking in quality since its last peak when the Bianconeri were regulars in the late stages of the Champions League.

There are a number of targets on Juve’s radar, and even former Juventus superstar Paul Pogba is a possible option. But the top target seems to be a rising star in Serie A, Manuel Locatelli.

According to a report from Goal Italy’s Romeo Agresti, who is the most reliable reporter covering Juventus, the Old Lady have “opened talks” to sign Manuel Locatelli. Agresti adds that Sassuolo will probably set their asking price for Locatelli at 40 million euros, which matches what other reports and rumors have put the price at.

A 40 million euro deal for Locatelli is not an easy one to pull off during a pandemic, but Locatelli is worth that kind of money. And for Juventus, who are desperate for an all-around midfielder with Locatelli’s progressive passing quality, the 23-year-old is worth more than that.

Manuel Locatelli could be the leader in midfield that Juventus need

Leadership in midfield has become another question mark for Juve. In the past, they could look to guys like Andrea Pirlo and Claudio Marchisio. Pogba was young, but he was also someone who took on the initiative and did not shirk from the spotlight. Juventus currently have nobody like that in their midfield, though Weston McKennie is the one showing those kinds of intangibles to one day become that player.

Locatelli, meanwhile, is already there. He is only 23, but he transcends those around him, either at Sassuolo or on the Italian national team. Per WhoScored.com, the player averages 1.1 key passes per game, 2.6 tackles per game, 1.6 interceptions per game, and nearly 80 total passes per match. And he has three goals of his own.

A classy midfielder, Locatelli controls the entire pitch for Sassuolo from an offensive and defensive perspective. Imagine if Pirlo could have that kind of a player at his disposal for the next five years. And the scary part is Locatelli will only get better.

It is great to hear Juventus have begun discussions with Sassuolo over Locatelli. And here is to hoping for a good start in their negotiations for a wonderful midfielder.