AC Milan and Lazio are ready to open a bidding war to sign Sassuolo winger Domenico Berardi in the summer transfer window.
Italian journalist Alfredo Pedulla maintains both sides are long-term admirers of the 28-year-old, who could finally sever ties with the Mapei outfit this summer.
He’s been one of the best-performing forwards in Serie A in recent years, but Sassuolo never wanted to discuss his sale despite an ever-present interest from Juventus and Milan.
Lazio’s first enquiry came in 2021 when Maurizio Sarri took over the managerial reins at the Stadio Olimpico, naming Berardi as one of his top targets.
However, Sassuolo’s high demands at the time blew the Biancocelesti out of the water, something that may change in the coming months after the Neroverdi finished 13th.
Known for developing raw talents into established top-flight stars before selling them on for high profits, they only managed to keep their headline performer by offloading other first-team regulars.
Sassuolo generated massive profits from Gianluca Scamacca’s move to West Ham United and Giacomo Raspadori’s switch to Napoli last summer, allowing the club to keep hold of Berardi.
But their talent pool has grown thin, with only Davide Frattesi, recently tracked by Manchester United, having a decent market value.
As such, the Neroverdi may agree to part with Berardi for the right price this summer.
According to Pedulla, €20 million plus €5m in add-ons could entice the Emilia-Romagna side to sanction the Italian’s departure.
Milan and Lazio are ready to pounce, with both teams frantically looking for attacking reinforcements after securing Champions League football for next season.
The Rossoneri extended Rafael Leao’s contract last week. But they’re still looking for a left-footed winger to bolster their squad after Junior Messias and Alexis Saelemaekers failed to live up to expectations.
Lazio will return to Europe’s top table for the first time in four years next term, and the current crop of forwards may not be enough to keep the team competitive on multiple fronts.
Napoli could be another option for Berardi as they prepare to cut Hirving Lozano loose.
