‘Could we sell him?’: After reported Arsenal talks, CEO addresses future of £25.5m star

Follow us on Google Discover

Sassuolo CEO Giovanni Carnevali will only sell Domenico Berardi if clubs make bids that suit his side, amid reported interest from Arsenal in a January transfer, via TuttoMercatoWEB.

Carnevali is reluctant to see Berardi leave the Mapei Stadium as the 27-year-old is essential to manager Alessio Dionisi’s squad.

The Italy forward has started 10 of the Neroverdi’s 12 Serie A fixtures so far this season. He has also scored five goals and provided three assists, both of which are team-high figures.

Berardi’s efforts helped to snap Sassuolo’s three-game losing streak in September and beat Juventus last month. He also helped draw the Emilia-Romagna outfit level at Roma, only for Stephan El Shaarawy to score a 91st-minute winner.

But Berardi’s performances have not gone unnoticed, with Fanta Calcio reporting Arsenal and Fiorentina have approached Sassuolo to discuss transfers.

Fiorentina are long-term fans and could formalise their interest in the winter sales with a €30m (£25.5m) bid. The offer would be expected to satisfy Sassuolo’s demands, but the 13th-place Serie A side would prefer to hold onto the forward until at least next summer.

Arsenal hope to test Sassuolo’s resolve, however, with Mikel Arteta’s side moving hard in pursuit of a transfer for Berardi. Who the Gunners also wanted this summer, with Gazzetta dello Sport reporting the north Londoners contacted the Neroverdi as he won Euro 2020.

Carnevali admits Sassuolo could sell Arsenal target Berardi

Sassuolo managed to fend off all transfer interest in Berardi amid Arsenal’s interest this summer. Despite the forward asking to leave after a 17-goal, eight-assist Serie A season.

Carnevali initially wanted €40m (£34m) to sell Berardi before lowering Sassuolo’s valuation to €30m (£25.5m), per TuttoMercatoWEB, this summer. And will only sell if his price is met.

“Berardi comes from our youth sector, there is an emotional aspect that binds us,” Carnevali said. “Could we sell him? For us, he is essential.

“But unlike in previous years, last summer he asked to be allowed to leave. The conditions, however, must be good for everyone and for Sassuolo, they weren’t.”