The latest Serie A transfer news has revealed that Roma is ready to rival Jose Mourinho’s Fenerbahce for Sassuolo winger Armand Lauriente.
Mourinho was the Giallorossi head coach between July 2021 and January 2024. During his time at the Stadio Olimpico, the ‘Special One‘ landed the Europa Conference League title.
However, his time in Serie A with the Lupi was marred by a number of disciplinary talking points. Mourinho received multiple red cards and often vented his frustrations towards match officials.
He was given the boot by the Friedkin family at the beginning of last year. Mainly because of financial implications which arose after failure to secure UCL soccer.
Now, the Italian giants and Mourinho are set to lock horns in the transfer market for Lauriente. The 26-year-old was due to move to Sunderland but the deal collapsed last week.
Serie A Transfer News
Armand Lauriente’s future at newly-promoted Sassuolo has been in doubt ever since he helped lead the Neroverdi return to the Italian top-flight.
The 26-year-old has been linked with Napoli and Bologna. However, Roma is ready to go toe-to-toe with Fenerbahce for the Frenchman’s signature.
Gian Piero Gasperini is keen to add a new left-winger to his roster and views Lauriente as the perfect candidate. Last season, Lauriente scored 18 times in Serie B which landed him the Golden Boot.
His pace, trickery and positional awareness is exactly what excites Gasperini as well as Lauriente’s keen eye for goal.
Why Did Armand Lauriente’s Move To Sunderland Collapse?
Armand Lauriente looked destined to move to newly-promoted Premier League club Sunderland. The Frenchman was on the brink of signing and had even joined up with the rest of the roster in Portugal on a pre-season training camp.
Even his medical was passed without a glitch so the reason for the collapse was due to a last-minute disagreement over personal terms.
It was understood that Lauriente would pen a five-year deal earning €2.5m per-year. However, a disagreement with the player’s agent about earnings put an abrupt end to negotiations.
Various outlets have reported that the Black Cats were hoping to re-ignite the deal but that won’t be happening.
What Signings Have Roma Made This Summer?
Roma has been a bit slow off the mark this summer but the Giallorossi have been able to welcome a number of new faces in the past few weeks.
Moroccan midfielder Neil El Aynaoui was the first new addition at the Stadio Olimpico. The 24-year-old joined from Lens for a reported fee of €24m.
Evan Ferguson moved to Rome on an initial loan deal from Brighton on July 23. The Republic of Ireland striker netted four goals on his non-competitive debut against Serie D side UniPomezia.
Polish goalkeeper Radoslaw Zelezny was the third acquisition with former Milan stopper Devis Vasquez also joining. Now, Roma supporters will be hoping to get one over their former boss and beat him to the signing of Armand Lauriente.
Offshore sportsbooks indicate the Giallorossi has a strong chance of landing Lauriente ahead of Fenerbahce.
