Chelsea push to complete €40m deal after failed Arsenal transfer

Chelsea are reportedly among the clubs interested in signing Juventus midfielder Manuel Locatelli next year.

The Stamford Bridge outfit have been the most active team in the transfer market since 2022 and they have shortlisted Locatelli as a potential midfield target for next summer as they look to bolster the options available to Enzo Maresca.

That is according to a shock report from CaughtOffside, who claim that Chelsea are set to battle the likes of Aston Villa, Bayer Leverkusen, Newcastle United and West Ham United for Locatelli’s signature in 2026.

Juventus are reportedly reluctant to sell the 27-year-old, however they will permit a sale if they receive an offer of €40 million.

Chelsea already have Moises Caicedo, Enzo Fernandez, Romeo Lavia, Dario Essugo and Romeo Lavia as midfield options at Maresca’s disposal, but they are reportedly eager to improve the depth at Stamford Bridge as they look to build a squad capable of challenging for multiple honours in a single season.

However, the Blues have almost exclusively signed players aged 23 or under since the arrival of BlueCo as their new owners in 2022 and landing Locatelli would therefore represent a major change in their transfer policy.

Manuel Locatelli’s failed move to Arsenal

Although Locatelli could finally move to the Premier League next summer, he was extremely close to joining Arsenal on a permanent deal in 2021 following a stellar spell at Sassuolo.

The Italy international was identified as a top target by Gunners boss Mikel Arteta and Arsenal even submitted a €39m offer, as per multiple reports.

However, Locatelli favoured a move to Juventus and an initial loan deal was completed following his impressive form at the delayed Euro 2020. He then completed a permanent transfer to the Old Lady in the summer of 2023.

After failing to land Locatelli, Arsenal eventually bolstered their midfield with his compatriot Jorginho in January 2023.