Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly preparing to offer €24 million for Juventus midfielder Manuel Locatelli, as the North London club looks to strengthen their midfield ahead of the new season. According to JuveLive, Locatelli, who has faced a challenging few months, may be open to the move, making this a significant development in the transfer market.
Locatelli’s Struggles at Juventus
Manuel Locatelli, once a standout performer at Euro 2020, has recently encountered difficulties in his career. Despite starting 34 Serie A games for Juventus last season, the 26-year-old midfielder has struggled to maintain his form, leading to speculation about his future. Missing out on Italy’s Euro 2024 squad and being booed by Juventus fans during pre-season has further complicated his situation.
Locatelli’s journey began at AC Milan, where he found it challenging to secure a consistent place in the first team. He then moved to Sassuolo, where he established himself as a key player, making 99 appearances and earning a reputation as a reliable midfielder. His performances at Sassuolo caught the attention of Juventus, leading to a transfer that could be worth up to €37.5 million with performance-related add-ons.
Tottenham’s Interest and Potential Move
Tottenham, under the management of Ange Postecoglou, have identified Locatelli as a ‘dream’ target for their midfield. The club is reportedly willing to offer up to €24 million to secure his services, a move that could benefit both parties. For Locatelli, joining Spurs could provide the regular playing time he seeks, something that new Juventus manager Thiago Motta may not be able to guarantee due to recent signings like Douglas Luiz and Khephren Thuram.
Postecoglou views Locatelli as an ideal replacement for Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg, who left for Marseille earlier this summer. The potential move is further facilitated by the existing relationship between Tottenham and Juventus, with previous transfers of Rodrigo Bentancur and Dejan Kulusevski from Turin to North London.
Locatelli’s 2023/24 Serie A Statistics
Appearances: 36
Goals: 1
Assists: 4
Pass Accuracy: 85.7%
Progressive Passes Per 90: 6.95
Key Passes Per 90: 0.78
Tackles and Interceptions Per 90: 2.81
These statistics highlight Locatelli’s consistent presence on the field and his ability to contribute both offensively and defensively, making him a valuable asset for any team.
Villa’s Interest in Giovani Lo Celso
As Tottenham considers bringing in Locatelli, they may need to make room in their squad. Giovani Lo Celso, who has a year left on his contract, has struggled for game time under Postecoglou, starting just four Premier League games last season. Aston Villa, managed by Unai Emery, has expressed interest in the Argentine, who could be keen on reuniting with his former boss. Given Lo Celso’s contractual situation, Spurs might be open to selling him this transfer window.
Conclusion
The potential acquisition of Manuel Locatelli by Tottenham represents a strategic move to strengthen their midfield while addressing the player’s need for more consistent playing time. With Juventus potentially open to the deal and Spurs ready to offer €24 million, this transfer could prove beneficial for both clubs as they prepare for the upcoming season.
