Lazio are reportedly making progress in their attempts to sign Armand Laurienté, but Sassuolo CEO Giovanni Carnevali warns of competition from José Mourinho’s Fenerbahce and Olympique Marseille.
The Neroverdi suffered relegation to Serie B at the end of a calamitous campaign for the club. Therefore, they are expected to sell several of their top stars this summer to lower the costs, and chief among them is the French winger.
Laurienté was one of the club’s main pillars over the last two campaigns, so he certainly has a market. For instance, Lazio consider him their primary transfer target to bolster the wing department. However, Carnevali insists that the 25-year-old won’t be sold for less than €15 million while revealing his other suitors during his appearance on Sky Sport (via Gianluca Di Marzio).
Beyond the figures, it depends a lot on the clubs that are tracking Laurienté and what they’re offering. He is a player who also has other suitors like Marseille and Fenerbahce. Mourinho was one of the first to make a move for the player. However, we also need to consider the value of this player who is important to us.
The figures? could be around €15 or €20 million. We think this is the right figure but I can also tell you that I would almost prefer to waive the economic profit to keep the player. However, we must be aware that we will be in Serie B next year, which has consequences.
It must also be said that we were relegated with these players and we want to return to Serie A with them. We will surely consider their motivations, but we will only sell for the figures we deem appropriate.
Sassuolo CEO Warns Lazio of Two Competitiors in the Race for Laurienté
On another note, Italian journalist Alfredo Pedullà reveals that Lazio continue to advance in their bid to sign Laurienté. The source claims that the Biancocelesti had positive and fruitful contacts and will soon hold direct talks with Sassuolo in an attempt to close the deal.
Regardless of Carnevali’s words, Pedullà believes that Fenerbahce are no longer in the race to sign the French winger. As the journalist explains, Mourinho’s side had offered Laurienté a salary of €2 million per year – which is higher than Lazio’s offer of €1.5 million – but the Turkish giants refused to splash the €15 million requested by Sassuolo. Additionally, they have already snapped up the services of an alternative in the shape of Allan Saint-Maximin.
