Sassuolo have handed Aston Villa a boost in Dean Smith’s pursuit of Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Rafinha by prioritising Gremio’s Matheus Henrique, per Corriere dello Sport.
The Serie A side believe Henrique is the perfect option to replace the sought-after Manuel Locatelli at the Mapei Stadium. Juventus are leading the race to sign the Euro 2020 winner with Italy, who Fabrizio Romano notes Arsenal also want.
Rafinha was thought to be a potential option to take over from Locatelli at the heart of Alessio Dionisi’s midfield. Especially with Spezia holding a strong interest in poaching Davide Frattesi, after the 22-year-old returned from a loan spell with Serie B side Monza.
But Corriere dello Sport believe Sassuolo are not currently courting Rafinha, in a boost to Aston Villa in their pursuit. Mundo Deportivo reported earlier this week that the Villans are challenging Lazio and AC Milan for a deal with PSG.
Paris Saint-Germain would want €10m (£9m) to sell the Brazilian, with Barcelona owed 35% of any fee. The Ligue 1 and La Liga sides agreed on the clause as part of the £2.7m transfer that took Rafinha to France in October. But the midfielder has only cut a back-up role since.
Sassuolo could turn their attention toward signing Rafinha if they cannot acquire Henrique. The 23-year-old is currently unable to discuss a transfer to the Serie A while he represents Brazil at the Olympics. Andre Jardine’s side will face Egypt in the quarter-finals on Saturday.
Sassuolo hand Aston Villa boost in pursuit of PSG midfielder Rafinha
Sassuolo have handed Aston Villa a big boost in their pursuit of PSG midfielder Rafinha by prioritising Gremio star Henrique. Dionisi could yet rival Smith for the £89,000-per-week man, but has given the Villans a window to edge out interest from Lazio and AC Milan.
Rafinha may also consider a move to Aston Villa if Smith is able to guarantee him a more integral role. The 28-year-old started nine of 11 possible Ligue 1 fixtures under Thomas Tuchel, but only opened six of 16 after Mauricio Pochettino’s mid-season arrival last term.
He also offered four assists under Tuchel compared to one under Pochettino. And Rafinha has seen his competition for minutes increase with Georginio Wijnaldum joining PSG. So, a move to Aston Villa could appeal to Rafinha, and is increasingly possible without Sassuolo.
Smith would then be able to unleash a player Chelsea boss Tuchel hailed during his time in charge in Paris. The German said, via The Canadian: “I have always been a fan of Rafinha, he is exceptional. He always gives everything for the team.”
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