Real Madrid Sets Sights On Italian Midfielder If Original Targets Become Unavailable

Manuel Locatelli is seen as the plan C of Real Madrid if they fall short of acquiring Jude Bellingham or Enzo Fernandez. Photo by Claudio Villa/Getty Images

KEY POINTS

Real Madrid has a contingency plan if they fall short in their pursuit of Bellingham and Fernandez
Arsenal could focus more on Locatelli over Fernandez due to financial disparities
Locatelli could flourish if he joins the right club

Real Madrid is aware that there is a chance that they may miss out on original targets Jude Bellingham and Enzo Fernandez.

Hence, it explains why they need a backup plan and the name that has been linked to Los Blancos is reportedly Manuel Locatelli of Juventus who is currently on loan to Sassuolo according to AS.

Ironically, Locatelli is the same player that has been linked to Arsenal and made a bid for his services before he ended up joining Juventus.

According to Calciomercatoweb, the Gunners have not closed the book on the Italian and are allegedly back in the race to try and sign him.

It would be best to note that Locatelli would be a bargain and cheaper compared to the price tags on Bellingham or Fernandez.

He is being paid around £30 million ($36.12 million) by Juve when he was signed on loan. He is also a bit older compared to the two names.

Bellingham is someone who could be moved for about £130 million ($156.51 million) while Fernandez will cost £105 million ($126 million).

From those figures alone, Los Blancos would undoubtedly get a huge discount if they succeed in luring Locatelli to Santiago Bernabeu.

Ironically, Arsenal has also been linked to a move for a 21-year-old Argentine football player.

Talks between the Gunners and the camp Fernandez allegedly took place although his price may skyrocket following his World Cup 2022 performance.

So with the pricing angle in play, Arsenal may not mind seeing Fernandez move to Real Madrid and instead try to snag Locatelli who is a whole lot cheaper.

But like Fernandez, there is also the possibility that the asking fee for Locatelli could be altered.

He was one of the best-performing players for Italy in their Euro 2020 win.

Although he has yet to hit his mark and make a good account of himself with Juventus, Locatelli owns the skillset that can offer similar qualities that Bellingham or Fernandez have.

Moreover, he is only 24 years old, meaning he can be considered a prospect by any club that would take a chance on him.