Arsenal ‘show up’ for £45m Napoli midfielder
Arsenal are spreading the net wide in their search for midfield additions this summer and have reportedly ‘shown up’ for Poland international Piotr Zielinski.
The midfielder started all three of Poland’s games as they failed to get through their group at Euro 2020.
The Gunners have been linked with a swathe of midfielders already this summer.
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They are thought to be close to securing a deal for Anderlecht’s Albert Sambi Lokonga, they have reported interest in Ruben Neves and Sassuolo confirmed an approach for Italy star Manuel Locatelli.
Giovanni Carnevali admitted Arsenal have stepped up their interest in Locatelli and have made an “important bid”, but the Sassuolo CEO suggests the club are more willing to do business with Juventus as they have a “special relationship” with the Serie A giants.
“Arsenal have made an official bid for Locatelli,” Carnevali said. “They’re pushing hard to sign Manuel and it’s an important bid… we will see.
“Juventus also want Locatelli and we have a special relationship with them. A new meeting has been scheduled with Juve.”
Mikel Arteta is keen to find a suitable partner for Thomas Partey in the heart of his midfield.
And Il Mattino (via Sport Witness) claim Arsenal have also ‘shown up’ for Zielinski.
It was claimed back in 2018 that the now 27-year-old was “meant to play for Liverpool” with Jurgen Klopp said to be a big admirer.
The playmaker notched an impressive eight goals and 11 assists for Napoli in Serie A last season and could be the perfect replacement for Martin Odegaard, who has returned to Real Madrid after a loan spell at the Emirates.
The report says that Napoli’s stance is that ‘no player is unsellable’, meaning a deal could be struck if Arsenal offer an appropriate amount.
But Arsenal have been warned that Zielinski – who is valued by Transfermarkt at £45million – will not be allowed to leave on the cheap as ‘prices are high’ at the Serie A club.
The Gunners are thought to be close to completing a £50million deal for Brighton centre-back Ben White and it’s unclear as to whether they will be able to fund both moves.
