Italy star Locatelli is the Man for Arteta's Gunners

In an interview with Sky in Italy, the Serie A side’s sporting director Giovanni Carnevali was quizzed over interest from Juventus in Locatelli, who netted twice in Italy’s 3-0 win over Switzerland in the group stage at Euro 2020.

And although Carnevali confirmed ongoing talks between the two sides, he also revealed the Gunners had placed themselves at the front of the queue for the 23-year-old’s services.

He said: "Juventus are the only Italian club we talked to about Locatelli. We met last week with [Juventus sporting director] Federico Cherubini.

"There is interest from their side, we haven't explored all the terms and evaluations, but we have an excellent relationship with Juventus so we will continue these talks.

"It's true other clubs from abroad are interested. Arsenal are one and they are ahead of everyone else because they tabled the only concrete offer we have received so far."