Pinamonti close to Lazio as Sassuolo line up replacement | OneFootball

Lazio are edging closer to a deal for Sassuolo striker Andrea Pinamonti, Gennaro Gattuso's long-awaited attacking reinforcement. He rose to the top of the shortlist after moves for Mauro Icardi, Franjo Ivanovic, Carlos Espi and Santiago Gimenez fell through.

According to The Laziali, Tuesday could be decisive. Lazio have agreed personal terms with agent Giuseppe Riso and are negotiating with Sassuolo, who want a replacement first.

Talks with Cagliari for Sebastiano Esposito are reportedly advancing, and the 24-year-old is open to the move. He has also been linked with Lazio, but Gattuso needs a centre-forward rather than a second striker.

Esposito's arrival would free Pinamonti to join on loan with an option to buy, but only after extending his expiring Sassuolo contract. Lazio are said to have raised their proposal to around €4 million in loan fees plus €8 million to make the deal permanent.

Pinamonti, an Inter youth product, previously spent loans at Empoli and Genoa among others. He has been at Sassuolo since 2022, with 248 Serie A appearances, 57 goals and 15 assists.

Source: The Laziali

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