Liverpool are likely to make their move for Sassuolo midfielder Manuel Locatelli soon, according to reports in the Italian media.

Up until now, Arsenal and Juventus have been the frontrunners for the 23-year-old, who starred for Italy at the European Championships.

However, Juve have been unable to come up with the funds necessary to sign Locatelli. Sassuolo reportedly want €40m (£34m) for the Italian international and the Bianconeri have only tabled a €5m loan offer with an option to buy for around €20m.

Arsenal, on the other hand, are prepared to match Sassuolo’s demands but the player is not said to be interested in moving to the Emirates.

Whether Liverpool would have better luck in persuading Locatelli, it remains to be seen. The midfielder appears to have his heart set on a move to Juventus, but the prospect of that transfer happening currently is pretty low. We shall see if the Reds do actually go forward with their own offer for the player.