Brighton and Hove Albion are tracking Juventus midfielder Manuel Locatelli, with assurances he is ‘perfect for Roberto De Zerbi.’
Locatelli is one of several players whose contracts are running down and might not be renewed in Turin.
According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, Brighton are keeping a close eye on Locatelli and preparing to make a summer proposal for the Italy international.
The former Milan and Sassuolo player had famously turned down a more lucrative offer from Arsenal in 2021 because he didn’t feel that he was ready for the Premier League, and is a lifelong Bianconeri supporter.
However, the situation may well have changed now and he could be open to it, especially if it means working with De Zerbi again.
“The fact that De Zerbi already knows him could represent an advantage,” ex-Milan defender Filippo Galli told Il Bianconero.
“De Zerbi focuses on possession and the desire to have the ball under control. Locatelli is a player who is perfectly suited to De Zerbi’s style of football.
“I don’t know how much truth there is in the interest, but I do believe Locatelli has what it takes to do well in the Premier League. He is 26 years old, so has fully matured.”
Locatelli played 99 matches at Sassuolo under De Zerbi and they were by far the most prolific seasons of his career, contributing seven goals and 11 assists.
In comparison, the midfielder has only four goals and 12 assists in 122 appearances under Max Allegri at Juventus.
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