Pranav Nair
Manchester United and Arsenal to face off for Sassuolo winger Domenico Berardi
According to Italian outlet Gazzetta Dello Sport (h/t Express), Manchester United have made contact with Sassuolo regarding Italian winger Domenico Berardi.
The Red Devils are in the market for a wide player and have earmarked Borussia Dortmund star, Jadon Sancho, as their primary target. While Berardi is in his own right a competent player, he is, at this moment, seen as an alternative to Sancho.
The 26-year-old is coming off an excellent season that saw him lead Sassuolo to the eighth spot in Serie A. He made 30 appearances for the Italians, scoring 17 goals and making eight assists. (h/t Transfermarkt)
United will face competition from Arsenal who are also keeping tabs on Berardi. With Willian potentially set to leave the Emirates, the Gunners are keen on bringing in either Berardi or Raheem Sterling.
According to the report, both the Premier League giants have made enquiries for Berardi. Newly appointed Tottenham Hotspur director of football Fabio Paratici is also a fan of the player. Whether the Lilywhites also make a move to land him remains to be seen.
A potent player, Berardi will not be a financial strain to any side that wishes to land him. Despite being Sassuolo’s highest-paid player, he earns around £2.1m net per year in wages. A largely affordable amount for a club in the Premier League.
Talent beginning to bloom!
The real kicker could, however, prove to be the transfer fee. Sassuolo would accept a fee of around £42.9m for Berardi. With his contract running until 2024, they hold the advantage in transfer negotiations.
Berardi’s performances have also brought him to the attention of Italian giants Juventus and AC Milan. The 26-year-old is coming into his own as a player and has taken his good form to the international level. This has been on display of late with him scoring five goals in his last seven games for Italy.
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As things stand, United are closing in on Sancho, meaning they could very well miss out on Berardi. While we would welcome a chance to sign the Italian, Sancho is a better player with a higher ceiling and is clearly the top choice. Hopefully the 21-year-old will be unveiled as a United player sooner rather than later.
