AC Milan are considering a move to sign Domenico Berardi but may need Sassuolo to grant a loan with an option to buy the rumoured Arsenal and Liverpool target, Tuttosport report.
Rossoneri manager Stefano Pioli has long admired Berardi, having considered him perfect for his Fiorentina side before taking charge at the San Siro in 2019. Pioli feels the Italian can offer the ideal attacking presence on the wing of his 4-2-3-1 system.
But Sassuolo are tough to negotiate with and have no interest in giving discounts on their €35m (£30m) valuation. The figure is too high for the budget Milan still have available to work with this summer, and would need the Neroverdi to consider alternative methods.
One option for Milan to put forward is a loan with a future purchase clause to sign Berardi from Sassuolo. The Mapei Stadium outfit just sanctioned a similar deal for Manuel Locatelli to join Juventus on loan until 2023 with an obligation to buy for an initial €25m (£21.5m).
Arsenal and Liverpool may monitor for any advancements Milan make in discussions with Sassuolo to sign Berardi before August 31. Corriere dello Sport report the winger’s agent knows Liverpool want him, while Gazzetta dello Sport note Arsenal expressed an interest.
Berardi’s situation could hot up before the window slams shut in less than two weeks, as well. TuttoMercatoWEB report the 27-year-old has asked Sassuolo to let him leave as now is the time for a new challenge.
The Neroverdi captain has amassed 291 appearances for the club since making his debut in 2012. He also produced his best Serie A campaign in front of the net for the Mapei Stadium side last season. Scoring 17 times in 30 games, plus eight assists.
Arsenal or Liverpool to rue not signing Berardi with Milan now keen?
Arsenal or Liverpool could rue letting a talent like Berardi slip through their fingers and join AC Milan from Sassuolo. The Premier League rivals have shown an interest in the Euro 2020 winner this summer, but to no avail yet.
Berardi immediately shone for Sassuolo in his debut Serie A season in 2013/14, scoring 16 goals and six assists. He backed it up with 15 goals and 11 assists the following term and after a few less productive campaigns, thrived once given the captain’s armband in 2019.
Arsenal and Liverpool will no doubt have taken note of how Berardi responded to Sassuolo naming the Milan target captain. Plus the way he maintained his performances to help the Neroverdi finish eighth in the Serie A last term. But with Milan keen, they risk missing out.
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