Liverpool are still on the lookout for a midfielder to replace Georginio Wijnaldum and have reportedly turned their attention to Sassuolo ace Manuel Locatelli.
As per Daily Mail, Liverpool are set to rival Juventus and Arsenal for the 23-year-old Italy international. According to Locatelli’s agent, Arsenal recently made a £35 million bid for the Italian. But Locatelli remains keen on a move to Juventus due to the prospect of Champions League football.
But the Old Lady’s financial situation means they can only afford to sign Locatelli on loan. That’s proven to be a stumbling block in negotiations. Liverpool are reportedly ready to capitalise on the situation and launch their own bid for the Sassuolo midfielder.
Locatelli has developed into one of the finest midfield prospects in the Serie A following his displays for Sassuolo the past few seasons. The 23-year-old has made 99 appearances for Sassuolo in all competitions since his arrival from AC Milan.
Sassuolo punched above their weight in Serie A last season, finishing in eighth place, with Locatelli playing a starring role. He was rewarded with a call-up to the Italian squad for Euro 2020, where he impressed.
Locatelli pulled the strings in midfield for Roberto Mancini’s side and scored two goals in five appearances as Italy went on to lift the trophy. Locatelli has two years left on his current contract.
Manuel Locatelli to Liverpool – A solid long-term addition to the club?
Liverpool need to reinforce their midfield if they are to bridge the gap to Manchester City and challenge for the Premier League title this season.
With Wijnaldum having departed the club and Naby Keita and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain struggling for form and fitness, Liverpool do not have much depth in the central positions.
As such, they are keen on a press-resistant, strong midfielder who can contribute at both ends of the pitch. Locatelli fits the bill.
The Italian is primarily deployed as a deep-lying playmaker, but he can also play a more advanced role. Locatelli’s fantastic technical ability, vision and passing range help him pull the strings in the middle of the park. He prefers making crisp short passes and recycling possession, but he is just as capable of slicing open defences with pinpoint through balls.
Last season, Locatelli averaged close to 81 passes per game, with a completion rate of over 88%. He also made 266 progressive passes, which were the second-best in the Serie A behind only Luis Alberto.
He also plays an important role defensively. He is a strong tackler and wins back possession for his side quickly. Locatelli averaged 2.4 tackles, 1.5 interceptions and 1.7 clearances per game last season.
Liverpool lacked creativity at times last season and Locatelli’s arrival could certainly solve some of their issues. Moreover, at just 23, he has plenty of upside. Shelling out £35 million for one of the finest young midfielders in the world should be a no-brainer for Klopp.
Stats via Whoscored