Domenico Berardi has dealt Arsenal a blow to their hopes of beating Liverpool and Atalanta to a transfer, as he wants Champions League football to leave Sassuolo, per Calciomercato.
The Gunners and Reds have courted deals to bring the Italian to the Premier League after winning Euro 2020. Gazzetta dello Sport reported Arsenal contacted Berardi’s Serie A side earlier this summer to assess his situation. Corriere dello Sport also claimed the winger’s agent was aware of interest from Anfield, while Leicester could move, as well.
Atalanta are also now a rival in the race to lure Berardi away from Emilia-Romagna before next Tuesday’s transfer deadline. The Lombardy outfit knew they must improve Gian Piero Gasperini’s forward options, even before star striker Duvan Zapata’s recent injury.
Berardi’s salary demand has so far blocked Atalanta from agreeing to terms with Sassuolo, though. The 27-year-old wants €2.5m-a-year (£41k-p/w) to leave the Mapei Stadium. Along with any potential suitor offering the chance to play in the Champions League this season.
Both Liverpool and Atalanta can satisfy Berardi’s desires for European action, which Arsenal cannot, if they pursue negotiations with Sassuolo. Neroverdi chairman Giovanni Carnevali is also ready to consider a loan transfer featuring an obligation to buy the 17-cap forward.
Additionally, Sassuolo appear prepared to lose Berardi, having marked Palmeiras forward Gabriel Veron as the Italian’s potential successor, per Calciomercato. But the Neroverdi will not let their captain leave without a fight, and insist on a €40m (£34m) minimum valuation.
Berardi stance a blow for Arsenal in bid to beat Liverpool and Atalanta
Berardi’s longing for the Champions League this season will likely end Arsenal’s hopes of a deal, if any remained. Leaving Liverpool and Atalanta to potentially joust for the forward’s services after he asked to leave the Mapei Stadium recently.
Liverpool will also like that Sassuolo are considering loaning Berardi out, given their sell-to-buy policy this summer, per the Express. If Reds Sporting Director Michael Edwards cannot offload the Merseyside deadwood, a temporary swoop will prove very appealing.
Berardi offered two assists in six games at Euro 2020 as he helped Italy lift the trophy. The playmaker also netted 17 goals and eight assists in 30 Serie A games last term. While ex-AC Milan coach Arrigo Sacchi has long hailed him as a ‘great talent’, via FourFourTwo. Adding: “He has liveliness, intuition, temperament and strength, combined with a good technique.”
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