Juventus had their meeting with Sassuolo and remain the absolute favourites to sign Manuel Locatelli ahead of Arsenal, despite their initial offer being rejected.
According to multiple reports in Italy, the long-awaited second encounter between Sassuolo and Juve directors was held this afternoon.
They are still a very long way off an agreement, as the proposal is still €30m plus youth players, whereas Arsenal are believed to have offered €40m cash plus up to €5m in bonuses.
It remains a big step forward, as it’s the first time Juventus have made a formal proposal to Sassuolo.
Nonetheless, the Italy international has had his heart set on Juve for many months and is eager to make the transfer stick.
The Bianconeri are so confident that Locatelli wants to join them, they were happy to sit back and wait for his experience at UEFA EURO 2020 to conclude.
Sky Sport Italia maintain the bid was a loan for one or two seasons with obligation to buy for €30m plus bonuses if certain conditions are met.
However, Sassuolo are not happy with the formula of the proposal, nor the figures, as they want a minimum of €40m to part with the Italy starlet.
An alternative would be cash plus players in exchange.
The Corriere dello Sport outlines Nicolò Fagioli, Nicolò Rovella and Gianluca Frabotta, while there has also been mention of Rade Dragusin and Felix Correia.
The 23-year-old is a product of the Milan youth academy, leaving for €14m after a loan in 2018.