Lazio have reportedly made a concrete offer for Sassuolo wantaway Andrea Pinamonti, but the two clubs still have a significant gap to bridge.
Lazio Launch Onslaught for Andrea Pinamonti
In recent days, the 27-year-old emerged as the Aquile’s main target to bolster the frontline alongside Mauro Icardi. While the latter is available on a free transfer, he is seeking significant wages, which Lazio would struggle to match. On the other hand, Pinamonti’s salary request should be more modest.
Lazio & Sassuolo Still Separated by Big Gap in Pinamonti Talks
According to Il Corriere dello Sport (via La Lazio Siamo Noi), the Biancocelesti have offered Sassuolo a loan worth €1 million with an obligation to buy for €8 million that would be activated by qualifying for Europe next season. However, the Emilian club is holding out for a €4.5 million loan fee and a buy clause set at €8 million.
It should also be noted that Pinamonti is currently running on an expiring contract, so a loan would only be viable if the deadline is pushed back. As the source explains, the player’s deal includes an automatic one-year renewal, but it remains unclear who has the right to trigger it.
Lazio Could Face Hull City Competition for Pinamonti
Il Messaggero also confirms that Lazio are working on this front, but warns them of potential competition from Hull City, who are also in the market for a new striker. The Biancocelesti have already held a meeting with Pinamonti’s agent Giuseppe Riso over the weekend. The latter also represents Davide Frattesi, who recently returned to the Italian capital side.
Aquilani Confirms Pinamonti’s Desire to Leave
Interestingly, Pinamonti was nowhere to be seen on Monday, as the Nereoverdi beat Cesena by three in the opening round of the Coppa Italia. After the contest, Sassuolo head coach Alberto Aquilani confirmed that the striker and his teammate, Kristian Thorstvedt, have submitted transfer requests, but warned that the club must find replacements before releasing them (via Gianlucadimarzio.com).
Thorstvedt and Pinamonti are two players who are currently injured and have asked to be sold. In their place, new players will have to arrive, who will need to be integrated, and it will take time, but the start of the season is just around the corner. Everyone did well today, but Serie A is a different story.