Arsenal are “closely following” Sassuolo midfielder Manuel Locatelli’s situation, according to the Gazzetta Dello Sport.

The Gunners’ interest in the 23-year-old was mentioned in the Italian press back in April and it seems like the London club have continued to monitor the Italian international.

Sassuolo have slapped a €40m (£34m) price tag on Locatelli, and they are not prepared to sell for a fee below that amount, so we shall see if Edu and manager Mikel Arteta feel he is worth the outlay.

It must be pointed out that the Italian has five other high-profile European clubs after him, including three from the Premier League. La Gazzetta say that Chelsea, Manchester City and Tottenham are all keen on the player, along with Paris Saint-Germain and Juventus.

Locatelli is almost certainly being looked at as a potential replacement for Granit Xhaka. The Swiss international looks to be heading towards the exit door with Roma keen to secure his signature.