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Sunderland Eyeing Sassuolo’s Armand Lauriente for January Move

Sassuolo attacker Armand Lauriente has become the subject of renewed interest as Sunderland look to secure his services in the upcoming January transfer window. Despite a near-move to the Black Cats in the summer, the Frenchman now appears determined to push for an exit. Sunderland’s pursuit of Lauriente has gained traction, with suggestions from The Sunderland Echo that they will revive their interest after their initial attempt collapsed at the last minute.

Near-Move to Sunderland

Lauriente’s proposed switch to Sunderland was one of the more dramatic stories of the summer transfer window. The French forward was reportedly on the verge of signing with the Black Cats, even flying to England for a medical. However, the deal fell through at the final hurdle, leaving both parties frustrated. Despite this setback, Sunderland’s interest never truly faded, and there have been increasing hints that they may rekindle the deal.

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Premier League Ambitions

Lauriente’s ambitions are clear: he is keen on a Premier League move. This was highlighted earlier this month by Italian outlet TuttoMercatoWeb, who claimed that the 27-year-old remains determined to make the leap to England’s top flight. A £17.5 million bid, which had been discussed during the summer, might still be on the table for the right offer. French manager Regis Le Bris’ side have once again emerged as a potential landing spot for the talented winger, whose Premier League aspirations continue to drive his desire for a move.

Sassuolo’s Stance

Despite Lauriente’s desire to leave, Sassuolo are not in a hurry to sell. The club’s CEO Giovanni Carnevali has made it clear that a departure could only happen if a higher valuation is met. As quoted by Il Resto del Carlino, Carnevali said: “€30 million [£26.3 million] might be enough, but it’s not always a question of numbers when you start a negotiation.” This statement suggests that Sassuolo is willing to listen to offers but is keen to ensure they receive fair value for their asset.

Lauriente’s Contract Situation

With Lauriente’s contract at Sassuolo running until 2027, the club still holds significant leverage in negotiations. However, TuttoMercatoWeb has recently reported that Lauriente has no intention of renewing his contract with the Italian side. Instead, he is planning to engineer a move away in the January window, increasing the likelihood of a transfer. As the situation develops, it remains to be seen whether Sunderland can push through a deal or if other Premier League clubs will enter the fray.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

As Sunderland fans, it’s hard not to feel a mixture of excitement and expectation. Armand Lauriente’s potential arrival would undoubtedly add quality to our attacking options. The Black Cats have long been in need of a dynamic forward with flair and pace, and Lauriente ticks all the boxes. His Premier League ambitions reflect a confidence in his own abilities, something we have seen in the likes of other top players who have moved to England. But, of course, the club will need to act swiftly, with other clubs potentially swooping in if they fail to meet Sassuolo’s price tag.

Yet, the €30 million price tag could be a stumbling block for Sunderland. While Lauriente’s talent is undeniable, this valuation might be too steep for a club that has had to navigate tight financial constraints. If Sunderland can manage to negotiate a lower price, this deal would feel like a real statement of intent for the club. However, there is a sense of caution. The way the original deal collapsed in the summer raises questions about whether Sunderland will be able to complete the deal this time around. Lauriente’s desire to leave Sassuolo is clear, but whether that translates into a successful move to the Premier League remains to be seen.