Roma CEO Tiago Pinto has reportedly given an ultimatum to Sassuolo over sought-after midfielder Davide Frattesi. According to Calciomercato, he expects the Neroverdi to lower their claims for the Italian starlet by next week to allow the deal to go through.
Last season’s Serie A runners-up Inter are long-term admirers of Frattesi. They were long frontrunners in the race to sign the 22-year-old. But Roma have leapfrogged them on the back of Jose Mourinho’s request to sign two central midfielders this summer.
Houssem Aouar of Lyon remains a concerte target for the Giallorossi. Yet, a host of Europe’s top clubs, including Arsenal and Sevilla, are interested in the talented French playmaker. That could complicate the Italian’s bid to prise him away from Ligue 1.
On the other hand, signing Frattesi will require Roma to beat Inter to his signature. However, they have already laid the groundwork for the midfielder’s switch to the Stadio Olimpico. Pinto is counting on the player’s desire to come back to his boyhood club.
Indeed, Frattesi graduated from the Roma youth academy before leaving the capital for Sassuolo in 2017. The Giallorossi now want to bring him home, but they need the Neroverdi to reduce their asking price.
Sassuolo have reportedly named a substantial €40m price tag on their prized property. Meanwhile, Roma are hoping to drive the price down by putting pressure on their Mapei counterparts. Mourinho’s men have urged the Neroverdi to consider lowering their demands.
Next week could be decisive for Frattesi’s future. Unless Sassuolo listen to Roma’s calls, Mourinho will shift his attention to other targets. The Portuguese boss does not like to be bullied in negotiations. And he has no intention of making an exception in this case.