‘I drove my agents crazy’ – Serie A captain, 28, lifts lid on REJECTING Arsenal transfer with ‘choice made from heart’

JUVENTUS captain Manuel Locatelli revealed that he had to fly in the face of his agents to reject a move to Arsenal. The Italy international was the subject of strong transfer interest from Mikel Arteta‘s side following Italy’s Euros triumph in 2021. Manuel Locatelli has opened up on his decision turn down transfer interest from Arsenal Credit: Alamy The Italy international now captains his boyhood club Credit: Getty But despite a number of bids from the Gunners, the Sassuolo star elected instead to reject the offers, in a decision that he says frustrated his representatives. Instead he chose a switch to Turin giants Juventus – his boyhood club, whom he now captains. Sign up for the Football newsletter Thank you! He has now explained the circumstances surrounding the switch in an interview with Undici. He said: “It was totally a choice made from the heart. “Arsenal is an incredible team, with a great history, in a very important league. But I only wanted Juventus. I’d wanted it from a year earlier when I had come very close to joining them. “I didn’t want to listen to any other offers, I drove my agents crazy. They kept proposing all these other teams and I would say no, I only want Juve.” Despite the Gunners’ initial approach being knocked back in 2021, the club reportedly tried again the following year, after his move to Juventus. But the chase was fruitless, and the club have since recruited the likes of Declan Rice, Bruno Guimaraes and Martin Zubimendi in midfield. Most read in Sport CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS “Everyone knows what Juve represent for me. It’s a dream come true, a huge responsibility. I managed to become the captain of the team I love, and I know that that entails. I must set the example every single day.” Locatelli has made 230 appearances for the Bianconeri since making the switch. Manuel’s brother Mattia previously revealed just how much the shirt meant to him when he signed, telling Calcio Mercato: “There was also Arsenal, but he wanted Juventus. The clubs kept meeting, but without reaching an agreement. “On the day of his debut, he sent us a photo with the shirt and the words ‘I made it’.” Comment now