Euro 2020 Transfer Talk: Midfielders on the move as Arsenal step up stopper search

We now know our Euro 2020 finalists and football could well be coming home — although not if Italy have anything to say about it.

The Azzurri are heading back to Wembley after their semi-final shootout victory against Spain, where they will be joined by an England side basking in the glory of last night’s win over Denmark.

Gareth Southgate’s men may have reached a first major final in 55 years, but even that won’t stop the transfer rumour mill turning.

So we have rounded up the best of the transfer talk relating to the teams taking part in Sunday’s showdown.

Locatelli link dismissed

Arsenal are in the market for a midfielder and have their eye on Sassuolo star Manuel Locatelli.

But the Gunners may need to look elsewhere this summer, amid reports that the 23-year-old maestro will reject a move to North London.

Despite Sassuolo chief executive Giovanni Carnevali previously revealing that Arsenal had made a bid for the Italy international, it is believed that Locatelli has his heart set on a move to Juventus ahead of next season.

Sam the man

Another player reportedly on Arsenal’s radar is West Brom stopper Sam Johnstone.

The Gunners are on the lookout for a goalkeeper, with Runar Alex Runarsson heading for the Emirates exit door and doubts over the future of No1 Bernd Leno.

A move for the 28-year-old custodian would set Mikel Arteta’s side back around £20million following the Baggies’ relegation from the Premier League.

Jorginho wants Chelsea stay

Jorginho’s performances at Euro 2020 have been attracting plenty of interest — that is, according to the player’s agent Joao Santos.

But Santos has revealed that the Chelsea midfielder, 29, is keen to sit down with Blues’ director Marina Granovskaia and discuss a new deal.

He said: “Today, Jorginho’s valuation is around €50 million (£42.8m). If a team arrives… obviously he has made it to many finals.”

Santos then added: “But our first thought is to speak to Marina Granovskaia about the renewal.”

Rice bidding war

It is no secret that England’s top clubs are interested in prising Declan Rice away from West Ham.

That interest has only increased further in recent weeks too, following a series of assured displays for the Three Lions at the European Championship.

But according to reports, Chelsea and Manchester United are set to go head-to-head for the Hammers star and are willing to break the bank by bidding up to £100million to secure his services.

However, with the 22-year-old contracted in East London until 2024, it will take an astronomical offer for the Hammers to consider parting with their prized asset.

Insigne on Reds’ radar

One player with far less time remaining on their deal is Lorenzo Insigne — the Napoli frontman is attracting interest from Liverpool as he enters the final year of his contract at the Stadio San Paolo.

Partenopei president Aurelio De Laurentiis is reportedly unwilling to match the forward’s wage demands and the Reds could be set to take advantage of the stalemate.

Insigne, 30, has already scored twice at Euro 2020, adding to his burgeoning reputation after netting 19 times for Napoli in Serie A last season.