Sky Sport Italia journalist Gianluca Di Marzio has confirmed Arsenal were interested in signing Sassuolo midfielder Manuel Locatelli, but the 23-year-old is favouring a switch to Juventus.

After starring for Italy at the European Championships, he is a player in high demand, with the likes of Manchester City and Chelsea having also been linked, but Di Marzio claims Locatelli is looking to remain in Serie A:

“Juventus want him, Arsenal want him, but now the player wants to wait for Juventus as he thinks that Juventus could be the right step for his career. Massimiliano Allegri wants him and so, with all respect to Arsenal… and other teams that want him, I think Locatelli will wait [to see] if Juventus and Sassuolo find the right deal.”

Sassuolo are believed to be demanding around €40m (£34m) for Locatelli so it remains to be seen whether the two sides can come to an agreement. If they don’t then Arsenal could well re-enter the race, although the fact that the midfielder has his heart set on another club would suggest a move to the Emirates is highly unlikely this summer.

The Gunners are also pursuing other midfield targets with the likes of Lyon’s Houssem Aouar, Brighton’s Yves Bissouma and Anderlecht’s Albert Sambi Lokonga all in the club’s sights.