‘I Drove My Agents Crazy…’ Juventus Captain Manuel Locatelli Reveals Why He Rejected Arsenal Move And Chose His Childhood Dream Over Premier League Opportunity

Manuel Locatelli has revealed the emotional reason behind one of the biggest transfer decisions of his career — admitting he ignored advice from his representatives to turn down interest from Arsenal because his heart was set on Juventus.

The Italy international was heavily linked with a move to Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal after Italy’s triumph at the 2021 European Championship, with the Gunners making several attempts to bring him to the Premier League.

However, despite strong interest and multiple bids from Arsenal, Locatelli chose a different path.

Instead of moving to England, he completed a switch to Juventus — the club he had supported since childhood and the team he now captains.

‘I Only Wanted Juventus’

Speaking about the decision in an interview with Undici, Locatelli admitted that his choice was driven by emotion rather than career strategy.

“It was totally a choice made from the heart,” he said.

While praising Arsenal as a club with “great history” and acknowledging the importance of the Premier League, Locatelli explained that Juventus was the only destination he wanted.

“I didn’t want to listen to any other offers, I drove my agents crazy,” he revealed.

“They kept proposing all these other teams and I would say no, I only want Juve.”

From Dream Move To Captain’s Armband

For Locatelli, joining Juventus represented far more than a regular transfer.

The midfielder said becoming captain of the club he loves has been both a dream and a responsibility.

“Everyone knows what Juve represent for me. It’s a dream come true, a huge responsibility,” he said.

“I managed to become the captain of the team I love, and I know that that entails. I must set the example every single day.”

Since joining Juventus, Locatelli has made 230 appearances for the Bianconeri and has become one of the club’s key leaders.

Arsenal’s Pursuit Ultimately Came To Nothing

Although Arsenal reportedly returned with interest the following year after Locatelli had joined Juventus, their efforts were unsuccessful.

The Gunners eventually strengthened their midfield with players including Declan Rice, Bruno Guimarães, and Martin Zubimendi.

Locatelli’s brother Mattia previously confirmed that Arsenal had been an option during the transfer process but said his brother’s preference was always Juventus.

“There was also Arsenal, but he wanted Juventus,” Mattia said.

For Locatelli, the decision was simple: the opportunity to represent his boyhood club mattered more than any other offer.

A Premier League move may have changed the course of his career — but the Juventus captain insists he followed the path that meant the most to him.