Why Arsenal Shouldn't Sign Manuel Locatelli

Now I know that you are probably expecting me to analyse this guys play style, unpack his recent season statistics or explain to you why the way he plays won’t suit well with Thomas Partey – but no. The main reason Arsenal shouldn’t sign Manuel Locatelli is because of his attitude.

It is obvious to those who watch the Gunners play that there is a serious problem in the locker room and on the pitch with attitude – so much so that it affects the club’s results majorly. One of the biggest criticisms of Mikel Arteta’s squad last season was the apparent lack of care for the club. I don’t mean that they don’t volunteer, don’t help the kitman out or don’t hold the door open for the journalists. DT from AFTV (who really needs no introduction) said it best at the end of last season: “We’ve got experienced players who do f*** all and just collect a paycheck… they play like it’s their fourth job”. Although it is an… ‘animated’ way of saying it, he got it spot on.

In terms of signing Locatelli, Arsenal have done everything right (in my eyes, at least). A strong bid for £40m was instantly put forward. It was obvious that the Italian international would prefer to go to Juventus, and Arsenal knew that. Sassuolo accepted the Gunners’ offer, whilst also rejecting Juventus’ of a season long loan with a £30m option to buy. Despite discussions with the club going very well, Locatelli is still adamant on joining Juventus.

That’s where the success stops for me.

As an Italian soccer player throughout any level, playing for Juventus is an obvious benchmark of success – just like going to play for Barcelona or Real Madrid if you were Spanish. If Manuel Locatelli has stated himself that Arsenal are his second choice club, then why do we keep pursuing him?

Don’t get me wrong, Locatelli looks like quite a player currently, having bagged a brace in his second start for his nation in the Euros. The bottom line is, however, we need players that want to play for Arsenal. That play for the badge. That don’t stop working whether we are up by 2 goals or down by 4. We need heart and soul. There is no way to get back into Europe and find success again without a winning culture. The locker room MUST be filled with players who understand the importance of the badge.

If we don’t sign Locatelli, I will not be mad. Not to say he isn’t a good player, but for example: there is a certain Yves Bissouma out there that fits the role we need perfectly and has openly said himself that if Arsenal were to even knock at his door he would sign the contract straight away.

That attitude right there. That is what we need.