In need of a new central midfielder during the summer transfer window, Manchester United looked at Manuel Locatelli as a preferred choice. As per Calcimercato, United monitored the Italian star before moving for fellow teammate Adrien Rabiot.
After Brentford’s 4-0 victory in the second game of the season, the Red Devils’ pursuit of Frenkie de Jong appeared to be in vain. Rabiot was the prime midfield target after they failed to sign the Barcelona maestro, but reports suggest United wanted Locatelli first.
Due to his demands, Rabiot’s chase also came to an end, and it was then that United went after Casemiro and successfully closed the deal.
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Locatelli did not want to leave Juventus, but if he had, he might have become Erik ten Hag’s first midfield signing for United in the summer. The former Sassuolo player’s performance in the Euro 2020 attracted interest from several clubs including Juventus.
He transferred to Juventus, but another Calcio Mercato rumour suggests that he might be available during the January transfer window. They claim that the possibility of a transfer has increased because Locatelli is not at the top of Max Allegri’s pecking order in his line-up.
According to the article, Locatelli is aware that his future at Juventus is uncertain and is anticipating offers from the Premier League as a result. In addition, it states that the midfielder will only accept a transfer away from Turin if the offer exceeds £38.6 million.
Newcastle and Arsenal are also interested in signing him in the upcoming winter, but if United is unable to get Jude Bellingham, Declan Rice, or de Jong again, they may try again for him.
