Arsenal effort to sign player ‘modelled on Pirlo’ revealed, current club keen to keep him

 

AC Milan enjoyed a memorable comeback against Sassuolo on Sunday, after going 3-1 down and then winning the game 4-3.

Young Italian midfielder Manuel Locatelli came on in the second half, and made a difference during his 30 minute display. The 18-year-old scored AC Milan’s third goal, and looked impressive for the home side.

According to Italian website Calciomercato, Arsenal tried to sign Locatelli during the summer transfer window. However, AC Milan boss Vincenzo Montella and vice-president Adriano Galliani asked the youngster to stay at the club.

Locatelli has a contract until 2018 at AC Milan, and the Serie A club are reportedly looking to extend it to 2020.

The Italian midfielder is said to be ‘modelled on Pirlo’ and seems to be a crucial part of Montella’s future plans, with the next step cementing a regular place in the first team.

Arsenal would surely continue to keep tabs on Locatelli if they were genuinely interested in signing him during the summer.