Speaking recently on the Here We Go podcast, Fabrizio Romano discussed Manchester City’s reported interest in a summer move for Manuel Locatelli.
Since joining Sassuolo back in the summer of 2018, on what was originally a season-long loan deal that I Neroverdi made an £11.25 million permanent move a year later, Locatelli has so far gone on to feature 87 times for the Serie A side, chipping in with five goals and providing 10 assists along the way.
So far this season, the £31.5 million-rated defensive midfielder has been in rather imperious form over his 22 league appearances for Roberto De Zerbi’s side, making an average of 2.7 tackles, 1.1 key passes, 1.6 interceptions and 82.6 passes per match, culminating in an average WhoScored match rating of 7.13 – ranking him as the club’s second-best performer in the Italian top flight.
However, despite the Italy international’s agent claiming that Manchester City are interested in signing the midfielder this summer, speaking on a recent episode of the Here We Go podcast, Romano claimed that there has been no contact from Pep Guardiola’s side, although the journalist did admit that City are watching Locatelli.
He said: “Manchester City are looking at him, scouting [him], there is nothing like contact with the agents or something like this. So, at the moment, there is nothing. Sassuolo have not received anything.
“My feeling around the situation, talking with people behind the scenes, is that Locatelli will go to a top club, but in Italy, probably, and not outside, [like the] Premier League. But, let’s see.
“At the moment, there is nothing with Manchester City. The price of the player is around €40-45 million, that’s what Sassuolo are asking for Locatelli. That’s why I say it’s not so easy to sign this player.”
Should City make a move for Locatelli this summer?
Yes
No
TIF Thoughts on Fabrizio Romano’s comments regarding Manuel Locatelli…
So, according to Romano, it would appear as if there is nothing concrete yet regarding City’s interest in Locatelli, although, the club are keeping a close eye on the progress of the midfielder this season.
And, considering the fact that one of Guardiola’s current defensive midfielders, Fernandinho, is close to turning 36, in our opinion, a move to strengthen the position should be something that City look to do this summer, with Locatelli appearing to be a very attractive prospect in the defensive midfield role.