A €30m Juventus midfielder is now on Barcelona’s radar after direct contact was established to explore a potential transfer.
With Frenkie de Jong’s injury exposing pivot vulnerabilities and Gavi’s suspension risks, Deco prioritises a durable, ball-winning No.8 who can rotate with Pedri while maintaining Flick’s high-press intensity.
Juventus’ captaincy material rarely becomes available, but contract dynamics and European ambitions have opened a rare window for the Blaugrana.
That midfielder is Manuel Locatelli, the 28-year-old Italian stalwart whose representatives Barcelona have contacted regarding a potential summer switch.
As Juventus captain, Locatelli anchors the 4-2-3-1 with 88% pass accuracy, 2.5 tackles per game, and leadership honed in Euro 2020 glory.
His €30m valuation—tied to a 2027 contract expiry—fits Deco’s value-driven ethos, especially amid Juve’s FFP pressures post-Vlahović saga.
Locatelli embodies Flick’s ideal: Serie A pedigree meets Bundesliga discipline from Sassuolo days, offering progressive passing (top 15%), aerial duels won, and box-to-box stamina.
He slots seamlessly alongside Pedri or Casadó, shielding Araújo-Cubarsí while enabling Yamal’s runs.
Barcelona scouts laud his set-piece threat (3 goals this term) and temperament for Camp Nou pressure.
This move follows Barcelona’s Juventus blueprint—Vlahović talks, Cancelo pursuits—exploiting Turin turmoil.
Locatelli, Turin loyalist, warms to La Liga glamour over Saudi paydays, with agents briefing Deco on amicable exit terms. Rivals like Arsenal lurk, but Barça lead with Flick’s Champions League pull.
Financially viable via Ansu Fati sales, Locatelli’s arrival fortifies Flick’s dynasty without wage bloat. Juventus resist, but captaincy burdens and Barça’s vision tempt.
Deco strikes boldly: Italian steel powers Catalan revival.
Barcelona’s bold outreach to Juventus captain Manuel Locatelli signals Deco’s ambition to blend Italian steel with Catalan flair, fortifying Flick’s midfield for title glory.
If negotiations advance post-elections, the €30m maestro could transform vulnerabilities into strengths—proving once again that strategic poaching from Serie A powers Blaugrana dominance.
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