Tottenham Hotspur are interested in signing Juventus midfielder Manuel Locatelli this summer, according to JuveLive.
Spurs have sold Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg to Olympique Marseille and Oliver Skipp is expected to follow him out of the door, leaving them light in the centre.
Tottenham need a new sitting midfielder to protect the backline, and Locatelli fits the bill. For the £20 million quoted fee, he would be a steal.
The Italian international graduated from the AC Milan youth ranks. However, he failed to nail down a starting berth in the senior team, prompting a successful move to Sassuolo.
He carried his excellent form to the national team, helping the Azzurri claim the 2020 European Championship title and earning a move to the Bianconeri.
However, Locatelli has failed to kick on in Turin. His poor form led to Luciano Spalletti dropping him for Euro 2024. His inconsistency has drawn the ire of fans, with many booing him.
Despite new boss Thiago Motta trusting in him in pre-season, the boos were loud during their recent match against their junior side even with the armband on.
He should be looking for an escape route and may find a suitable landing spot in England.
The £20 million-rated midfielder would be an unbelievable signing for Spurs. On his day, Locatelli is an excellent holding midfielder adept at breaking up opposition attacks and recycling the ball.
Despite struggling for form last term, he still won 56% of his duels while recording an outstanding 6.23 progressive passes per 90 minutes. He has the physicality to thrive in the Premier League.
Locatelli could enjoy a new lease of life under Spurs manager Ange Postecoglou, partnering Yves Bissouma, Pape Matar Sarr or Rodrigo Bentancur in the middle.
Tottenham have done plenty of business with Juventus since sporting director Fabio Paratici arrived at the club. That trend looks set to continue, with Spurs serious about securing Locatelli’s signature.
