Manuel Locatelli’s brother Mattia has revealed that Arsenal were interested in signing the former Sassuolo midfielder but he only ever wanted to join Juventus. Locatelli made the switch to the Old Lady in 2021 and has become an integral part of coach Max Allegri’s starting XI over the last two seasons. Speaking to LacasadiC, Mattia explained the importance of coach Roberto de Zerbi in his brothers career and why he left Milan at such a young age:
“He suffered at Milan, he was only 18 but was seen as the man who could solve all their problems.
“He didn’t have the self-confidence he’s built through the years. We read criticism and insults, he is my brother and it hurt. He had to block comments on social media.
“My parents were so important, Manuel has a strong bond with them, having left home when he was very young. He always calls them when he has time and my father attends every home game.”
“Sassuolo? It was the most difficult step, it wasn’t easy to leave Milan and San Siro.
“He’s always felt it was a step back. He struggled a bit in the first season, but there was a u-turn when De Zerbi arrived. He helped him so much, and his growth helped him make his Italy debut.”
“Juventus? I remember that negotiations were lengthy. Arsenal were interested too, but he only wanted Juventus.
“Club directors [Juventus and Sassuolo’s] met many times without reaching an agreement. I was reading Gazzetta every day to have updates. Manuel was training separately at Sassuolo, hoping for a transfer. The day he made his debut, he sent us a picture with the Juventus shirt, saying: ‘I made it.’
“He gives his all for Juventus, at the beginning, he felt it wasn’t real, but then he understood there was a reason for him to be there. He was so happy and has become a friend of many players, Giorgio Chiellini, Leonardo Bonucci, Alvaro Morata and Matthijs de Ligt.”
