Real Madrid are reportedly interested in signing Sassuolo midfielder Manuel Locatelli who is also a target for Serie A champions Juventus.
According to a report from Calciomercato, La Liga champions Real Madrid are set to rival Italian heavyweights Juventus in the race to sign Manuel Locatelli from Sassuolo.
The 23-year-old came through the youth ranks at Atalanta and AC Milan and went on to make over 60 appearances for the Rossoneri before moving to Sassuolo in 2018, initially on loan before making the permanent in 2019. Since joining the Neroverdi, Locatelli has featured 86 times scoring five goals and setting up ten more.
One of the regulars in the starting lineup in the side that started the ongoing campaign on such a promising note, Locatelli’s progress since making the move to Sassuolo from Milan has gathered admirers in Juventus. However, the Bianconeri could now be set to face intense competition from Real Madrid in pursuit of the Italian.
Los Blancos are in the market for midfield reinforcements as Luka Modric enters the twilight of his career while Toni Kroos is also in his thirties. In addition, the lack of cover and competition for Casemiro in the squad currently is something that the reigning Spanish champions are wanting to address in the next summer.
To that end, Real Madrid have been linked with a move for Celta Vigo’s Peruvian enforcer Renato Tapia. However, now, Locatelli has also emerged as a potential candidate to bolster the midfield unit at the Bernabeu ahead of the 2021/22 campaign.
The report goes on to add that apart from Locatelli, Real Madrid are also keeping tabs on Rennes’ wonderkid Eduardo Camavinga, along with Borussia Monchengladbach midfielder Florian Neuhaus. In addition, Bayern Munich star Leon Goretzka is also said on Madrid’s list, although not as a realistic option given his standing in Bavaria.
Another name on the list that Real Madrid are considering is that of Olympique Lyon’s rising star Houssem Aouar, a player that has been on the club’s radars for quite some time now.
The report further adds that Sassuolo would be open to Locatelli’s sale for a transfer fee of around the €30 million mark. It now remains to be seen if Real Madrid do act on their interest in the six-time capped Italian international or pursue other targets, leaving the field clear for Juventus to make a move.