Sassuolo are exploring transfers for Sevilla’s Oussama Idrissi and Spezia’s Janis Antiste as Fiorentina prepare to bid for Arsenal target Domenico Berardi, as per TuttoMercatoWEB.
The Neroverdi are considering Idrissi and Antiste as short and long-term options who could fill Berardi’s void. The winger has enjoyed a very influential start to the season at the Mapei Stadium, with six goals and four assists in 11 Serie A appearances from the right flank.
Berardi recorded his latest goal and assist during a 2-2 draw with Cagliari on Sunday. He fed Gianluca Scamacca to open the scoring before putting Sassuolo ahead on 51-minutes.
He had also captained the Neroverdi in 23 Serie A fixtures last season, amid a 17-goal, eight-assist campaign.
Fiorentina view Berardi as their major goal for the January transfer market as he is ideal for Vincenzo Italiano’s plans. They also like Lille’s Jonathan Ikone, yet prefer the Italian.
Sassuolo are loath to lose Berardi in the middle of the campaign, but are also loath to be caught unprepared. So, Chairman Giovanni Carnevali and Sporting Director Giovanni Rossi are looking into potential deals to prise Idrissi form Sevilla or Antiste from Spezia next year.
Idrissi will be the Neroverdi’s top target if Berardi leaves Emilia-Romagna in January. While Antiste is viewed more towards the summer, after establishing an important role at Spezia.
Sassuolo offer Arsenal hope of Berardi transfer with Idrissi and Antiste plans
Fiorentina will test Sassuolo’s resolve to keep Arsenal target Berardi in the January transfer window. Calciomercato note I Viola have already agreed a four-year deal in principle with the Euro 2020 champion worth €3.5m-a-season (£57k-a-week).
But Sassuolo fended off Fiorentina in the last transfer window by demanding €35m (£29m). And Fanta Calcio now claim, while citing Arsenal as approaching Sassuolo to discuss a move for Berardi, that I Viola are still only willing to offer €30m (£25m) for the 27-year-old.
Sevilla agreeing to sell Idrissi in January may see Sassuolo’s reluctance to part with Berardi ease, while their general plans will offer Arsenal and Fiorentina hope of securing a transfer.
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