Sassuolo have confirmed that they are in talks with another club to sell star midfielder Manuel Locatelli in this summer's transfer window.
The 23-year-old, who has been a standout performer for Italy at Euro 2020, has been heavily linked with a move away from the Neroverdi, with both Arsenal and Serie A giants Juventus believed to be leading the race for his signature.
Locatelli seemingly had his heart set on a move to Juve, however Sassuolo's chief executive Giovanni Carnevali has stated that a club outside of Italy are in talks to sign the midfielder.
"We're in talks for Locatelli with one club from abroad... and it's really advanced," Carnevali told Sky Italia.
"We're going to meet with Juventus in the next days, but there are no negotiations yet with Juve as Italian clubs are in difficult financial situation."
Arsenal are in the transfer market for central midfield reinforcements following the departures of Dani Ceballos – who has returned to parent club Real Madrid – as well as Matteo Guendouzi, who has joined Marseille on a season-long loan deal.
Locatelli, who will see his contract expire in June 2023, made 34 Serie A appearances for Sassuolo during the 2020-21 campaign, scoring four goals and providing four assists.
Oliver Thomas
