‘Not the perfect Dinho replacement’, ‘Rodri is clear’ – Man City Fans react to Fabrizio Romano’s update on Locatelli

Manchester City fans have been reacting to a post on Twitter which relays a report that claims Juventus are leading the race for the signature of Sassuolo midfielder Manuel Locatelli this summer.

The midfielder, who is expected to leave the Serie A side this summer after an outstanding 2020/21, has been linked with a raft of clubs all across Europe, including Manchester City.

The Premier League champions have been interested in the Italain for the longest time as Pep Guardiola seeks a replacement for Fernandinho, and have been tracking Locatelli prior to the midfielder lighting up Euro 2020 with Italy.

The 23-year-old mildfielder scored two brilliant goals as Italy continued their wonderful start to Euro 2020 on Wednesday night. 

City face stiff competition from Juventus as Massimiliano Allegri has made Locatelli one of his top targets since returning for a second spell as coach.

According to Fabrizio Romano, the player is ‘100% open’ to trying something different from Italian football, but Juventus are leading the race, and in negotiations with Sassuolo.

The news was shared on Twitter by City Xtra, and it attracted plenty of attention from the club’s supporters, who took to the social media platform to share their thoughts and opinions.

I didn’t know it was a race, most Italian player don’t leave Italy anyway

— papite (@jgedeon1717) June 17, 2021

I always feel if one of the big clubs come in for players who are Italian in Italy it’s essentially a done deal so if he’s talking to Juve I imagine he will go there… Well unless Mancini puts a good word in 😂

— Fletcher Skim (@DaveSkimmin) June 17, 2021

very good player but won’t be gutted if we don’t get him, not the perfect dinho replacement

— ⚡ (@Ethan4707) June 17, 2021

Rodri is clear.

— D’JA ROULE (@AyoubHachem__) June 17, 2021

Getting a defensive midfielder is not one of City’s priorities this summer pic.twitter.com/S9VLHZeaAA

— Ash (@_CityAsh) June 17, 2021

Locatelli joined AC Milan from Atalanta in 2010 and rose through the youth ranks to the first time in 2016, going on to make 63 appearances in all competitions.

He joined Sassuolo on loan in 2018 and turned the move permanent in 2019, making a total of 99 appearances for the Serie A club, scoring seven goals with 11 assists.