“DREAM DEAL ON THE VERGE OF HAPPENING”- Tottenham ready to seal Postecoglou’s next signing who will bring full time balance to already Star studded squad
Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly ready to table an offer of €24 million for Juventus midfielder Manuel Locatelli, according to JuveLive. The Italian midfielder might be open to the move, with Tottenham’s interest intensifying after a challenging period for the 26-year-old at Juventus.
Locatelli’s recent months have been far from ideal, marked by his omission from Italy’s Euro 2024 squad and a lukewarm reception from Juventus fans during pre-season. Despite these setbacks, Locatelli was a mainstay in Juventus’ midfield last season, starting 34 Serie A matches. Tottenham’s new head coach, Ange Postecoglou, has identified Locatelli as a prime target to bolster the club’s midfield, viewing him as a ‘dream’ addition to the squad.
Discussions have reportedly taken place between Juventus, Locatelli, and his representatives about the possibility of the midfielder leaving Turin. Tottenham are believed to be willing to offer up to €24 million to secure Locatelli’s services. The midfielder is thought to be considering the move, particularly as he seeks assurances of regular playing time—a factor that is not guaranteed under Juventus’ new head coach, Thiago Motta.
Locatelli’s career has been a journey of highs and lows. Having risen through the youth ranks at AC Milan, he found it difficult to secure a regular spot in the Rossoneri’s first team, leading to his departure for Sassuolo. It was at Sassuolo where Locatelli truly made his mark in Serie A, amassing 99 appearances and becoming a standout player in Italy’s Euro 2020-winning squad. His impressive performances during the tournament earned him a high-profile move to Juventus in a deal potentially worth up to €37.5 million, depending on performance-related add-ons.
However, Locatelli’s time at Juventus has seen its share of challenges. Despite being a regular starter under former manager Massimiliano Allegri, with 34 Serie A starts last season, the arrival of Thiago Motta has brought uncertainty. Motta has strengthened the midfield with signings like Douglas Luiz from Aston Villa and Khephren Thuram from Nice, leaving Locatelli’s position in the team in doubt.
As a result, speculation about Locatelli’s future has intensified, with reports suggesting he is open to a move away from Juventus. Tottenham Hotspur are seen as the frontrunners to sign the Italy international, with Postecoglou eyeing him as the perfect replacement for Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg, who recently joined Marseille. Juventus, however, are expected to demand a fee close to what they initially paid for Locatelli, while Tottenham are preparing a bid of €24 million, potentially with add-ons.
The two clubs have a history of successful transfers, including Rodrigo Bentancur and Dejan Kulusevski’s moves from Turin to North London, which could facilitate a deal for Locatelli. Although Tottenham are in need of an experienced successor to Hojbjerg, they have already bolstered their midfield with the signing of Archie Gray from Leeds United. This could necessitate further squad adjustments, possibly leading to the sale of other midfielders.
One such player is Giovani Lo Celso, who is out of contract in 12 months. Aston Villa, under the management of Unai Emery, is reportedly interested in reuniting with the Argentine midfielder. Lo Celso has struggled for regular minutes under Postecoglou, starting only four Premier League matches last season. Given his contract situation, Tottenham might be willing to offload him this summer, creating space for a potential arrival like Locatelli.
As the transfer window progresses, it remains to be seen whether Tottenham will succeed in securing Locatelli’s signature, but their intent and determination to strengthen their midfield are clear.
