Arsenal no longer in Manuel Locatelli transfer race as Juventus prepare to launch new offer for Euro 2020 star

ARSENAL are no longer in the hunt to sign Sassuolo star Manuel Locatelli, according to reports.

The Premier League side have been linked with the Italy international, rated at £34million, throughout the summer.

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According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, the Gunners have given up on signing the 23-year-old midfielder.

It's believed Juventus are still in the hunt for Locatelli and will submit a new bid for the player in the coming days.

Rumours suggest the Turin side are struggling to meet Sassuolo's valuation for Locatelli after weeks of discussions between the two clubs.

Juve are also thought to be interested in re-signing Miralem Pjanic from cash-strapped Barcelona.

And they reportedly want to extend Paulo Dybala's contract and will meet with the player's agent shortly.

Locatelli enjoyed a breakthrough summer with Italy, helping his country beat England at Wembley to win Euro 2020.

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The midfield ace made 34 Serie A appearances for Sassuolo last term – his third season with the Italian side.

Locatelli started his career at AC Milan, featuring 63 times in all competitions before joining Sassuolo in the summer of 2018.

Arsenal are reportedly close to agreeing a new four-year deal with Granit Xhaka, who was linked with Roma earlier in the transfer window.

The London club have also signed promising talent Albert Sambi Lokonga from Anderlecht, boosting manager Mikel Arteta's midfield options.

But the Gunners have allowed Joe Willock to join Premier League rivals Newcastle for a reported £25m.

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