No regrets – Juventus midfielder speaks on snubbing Arsenal

Juventus midfielder Manuel Locatelli was on Arsenal’s radar in 2021 as the Gunners made effort to sign him in a deal that didn’t happen.

Locatelli in a recent statement has claimed he has “no regrets” about rejecting a move to Arsenal, in favour of a deal with the Old Ladies.

Recall that Locatelli played a key role in Italy’s Euro 2020 success, coming in for the injured Marco Verratti in the Azzurri’s opening two group games.

His performances put him in the spotlight that summer, despite being behind Verratti, Jorginho and Nicolo Barella in the order.

Arsenal were one of the clubs interested in signing him then but the Italian midfielder opted to remain in Italy and closer to his hometown of Lecco in Lombardy, by signing a deal with Juventus in a €30m (£25m) from Sassuolo.

Amid Juventus’ current struggles, Locatelli remains content with the decision he made in 2021.

Speaking to Tuttosport, Locatelli who said he has no regrets for joining the Old Ladies instead of Arsenal, however, expressed love and respect for the Gunners and their manager Mikel Arteta.

Meanwhile, Arsenal defeated Juventus in the recent summer transfer to sign defender Riccardo Calafiori from Bologna.

Calafiori was also linked with moves to the Old Ladies but chose to move to Emirates Stadium.