Arsenal were unsuccessful in a summer move for young AC Milan prodigy Manuel Locatelli, a report in Italian news outlet “?Calciomercato confirms.
The report claims that Neil Banfield, Arsenal’s chief scout, went to watch the 18-year-old midfielder a number of times last season.
The young Italian impressed Banfield, who recommended him to the Arsenal hierarchy as their next potential young signing.
The Gunners’ bid was quickly rejected by AC Milan though as the Italian giants looked to keep hold of their young prospect.
Locatelli made his first team debut at Milan last season and has found a starting berth on a number of occasions this campaign too. He has featured seven times so far in the 2016/17 Serie A season – an excellent return for an 18-year-old.
He put in a performance way beyond his years last weekend. He was the standout player for Milan in their 1-0 win over Serie A champions Juventus.
The midfielder has netted twice this season, and boasts an 80% passing accuracy as well as five interceptions and eight tackles won. He also has one created chance to his name.
He has told Calciomercato that he is moulding himself on legendary Italian string-puller Andrea Pirlo. Big shoes to fill, but Locatelli certainly has the potential.
“I had a poster of Andrea Pirlo on my wall, he was my idol,” he said.
“I want to emulate him, I watch his matches to learn from him.”
“?”?
Leave a Reply