Juventus are eyeing up alternatives to Sassuolo midfielder Manuel Locatelli as he has become “irritated” at the lack of progress in his potential move to the Allianz Stadium.
The Bianconeri are tempted by former player Miralem Pjanic and Lille midfielder Renato Sanches, who is worth around £30million to the French champions.
Locatelli has finished his holiday after winning Euro 2020 with Italy, a tournament in which he excelled for the Azzurri.
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His stock rose considerably due to his performances. The midfielder scored two goals in five matches for the tournament winners.
The 23-year-old was hopeful that a move to Juve would be a lot closer to being finalised by the end of his holiday, but he has been left frustrated at the lack of progress in negotiations between the clubs.
This is according to La Gazzetta dello Sport (via Football Italia), who say that Locatelli is now accepting that his dream move will have to wait until January or next summer.
In terms of a ‘Plan B’, Juve will potentially look to bring Barcelona midfielder Pjanic back to the club.
A swap deal involving Aaron Ramsey has been mentioned, and the Bosnian is apparently keen on a return to the Italian giants.
The 31-year-old only made 19 LaLiga appearances last season for Ronald Koeman’s side, particularly struggling for game time in the second half of the season.
Sanches, on the other hand, is off the back of an excellent season with Lille.
The Ligue 1 club are keen to offload the Portugal international to help raise funds due to their financial troubles.
Five contributors to their league triumph are reportedly up for sale: Xeka, Luiz Araujo, Sanches, Jonathan Ikone and Jonathan Bamba are all allowed to leave the Stade Pierre Mauroy.
Locatelli has always prioritised a move to Juve over Arsenal, who are also keen on signing the Italian.
However, with a move to the 36-time champions of Italy potentially off, the Gunners could move back in for the Sassuolo man.
The Premier League club reportedly bid €40m for Locatelli earlier in the transfer window as they look to improve on their eighth place finish last term.