Juventus reach an agreement with Sassuolo for Manuel Locatelli

After countless meetings, trivial updates and ever-increasing anxiety that the deal wouldn’t go through this summer, Juventus have finally reached an agreement with Sassuolo for the services of Manuel Locatelli.

The Italy international has been the Bianconeri’s priority target this summer and will be a huge addition the Juve’s midfield. Locatelli starred in the double pivot under Roberto De Zerbi at Sassuolo and enjoyed an impressive Euro 2020 campaign in the summer.

Arsenal were keen to sign the 23-year-old and were willing to pay up to €40m for his services. However, the player only had eyes for Juventus and all parties were keen to close the deal before the end of the transfer window.

The agreement

Juventus’ financial woes have meant they’ve been hesitant to match Sassuolo’s fair €35m valuation of their star midfielder. The Bianconeri have had several offers rebuffed by the Neroverdi, but the two clubs have finally struck a deal.

Fabrizio Romano reports that a “total agreement” has been reached with Sassuolo. Juventus will pay €35m plus add ons, with Locatelli signing a contract at the club until 2026. It’s understood that the deal is an initial two-year loan.

An official announcement is expected by the Bianconeri in the coming hours, according to TuttoJuve’s Mirko Di Natale.

Gianluca Di Marzio adds that Juventus will now look to formalise the move, including Locatelli’s medical, as efficiently as possible so Massimiliano Allegri – a big advocate of the transfer – can get to work with the midfielder in time for the start of the Serie A season.

Juventus begin their campaign with a trip to Udinese on Sunday evening.

So, there we go Juventini, your patience has been rewarded. Following the dullest of transfer sagas, Manuel Locatelli will enter the 2021/22 season as a Juventus player. The midfielder is the regista that Allegri is desperate to possess, and you can expect the 23-year-old to have an immediate impact in Turin.