Newcastle United are now considering making a move to sign Juventus midfielder Manuel Locatelli in the summer, according to CalcioMercatoWeb.
The Italy international is technically still on loan with the Turin outfit, as he nears the final six months of his two-year loan from Sassuolo.
Massimiliano Allegri’s side reportedly have a £22.3m obligation to buy the 25-year-old this summer, with a possible £11.2m in add-ons.
Subsequently, Juventus hope to extend his deal beyond 2026, but transfer interest seems to be getting in the way.
As per CalcioMercatoWeb’s report, the Magpies and Arsenal maintain an interest in the player.
Both Premier League clubs are reportedly eyeing summer swoops for the midfielder.
Newcastle keen to sign Locatelli
In January, Eddie Howe wanted to bring in an additional midfielder to St James’ Park.
With Bruno Guimaraes currently operating as the side’s defensive midfielder, the Toon wanted further reinforcements in the position, so the Brazilian can be played further forward as a number eight.
Therefore, Locatelli could be a brilliant signing for Newcastle to make, as he would allow exactly that – allowing Guimaraes to flourish.
Hailed by Juve manager Allegri as an ‘extraordinary’ player, the 25-year-old could provide further quality in depth for the Toon.
Having allowed Jonjo Shelvey to leave in January to join Nottingham Forest, this is a big need for the Magpies – especially if they qualify for the Champions League this year.
However, with all of this said, it won’t be easy to lure Locatelli away from Juventus, as the Italian club desperately want to keep hold of their star midfielder.
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