‘Desire to remain’: Reported Arsenal and Everton targets never wanted to leave, director says

Follow us on Google Discover

Jeremie Boga and Domenico Berardi never pushed to leave Sassuolo in the transfer window despite links with Tottenham, Crystal Palace and Arsenal, sporting director Giovanni Carnevali has told Tuttomercatoweb.

With the market closed for business until January, one of the most exciting, free-flowing sides in Italy can give themselves an almighty pat on the back.

Not only have Sassuolo rewarded highly rated coach Roberto di Zerbi with some key signings, they have also managed to keep the club’s prized assets at the Mapei Stadium.

Arsenal were linked with £45 million-rated Italy international Berardi by Calciomercato and his fleet-footed teammate Boga by FootMercato.

The latter, a £25 million Ivorian speed-machine sold by Chelsea as recently as 2019, had forced his way on to Everton’s radar while Crystal Palace identified him as a potential Wilfried Zaha replacement (Sky).

But, according to Carnevali, the speculation meant nothing with Berardi and Boga happy to stay put.

“Boga, Berardi and (midfielder Manuel) Locatelli have stayed. It wasn’t even that hard to keep them back,” the director says.

“On their part, too, there is a desire to remain in our project.”

Of course, Crystal Palace never needed to enter the market for a rapid left winger with Zaha set to spend at least the next three months at Selhurst Park.

Arsenal, meanwhile, focused their efforts on signing a powerhouse midfielder and a commanding central defender after convincing Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Alexandre Lacazette to ignore offers from elsewhere.