Sassuolo center-half Davide Frattesi is fast emerging as one of the hottest prospects in Italy. He has a line-up of high-profile suitors in his wake – Inter, Milan, Juventus and Napoli are all interested. Despite their presence, his former youth club Roma have entered the picture for his signature. The 22-year-old Giallorossi product moved to Sassuolo in the summer of 2017, and has since experienced a steady rise in his performances.
According to latest reports from Calciomercato, Roma are the new giants on the block in the race for the versatile midfielder. Fortunately, they have a trump card to their advantage when it comes to Frattesi. The Giallorossi included a 30% future resale clause when he first moved away from the club, meaning that 30% of any transfer fee to Sassuolo would see it’s way to the coffers of the capital giants.
#Roma, #Pinto ci prova per #Frattesi, ma #Inter e #Juve sono in vantaggio https://t.co/IBdEAD6aHn pic.twitter.com/qKp5YfyIxa
— calciomercato.com (@cmdotcom) March 1, 2022
This makes it a hurdle for other interested comes in the fray, especially the Nerazzurri, who have long set their sights on Frattesi and his teammate Gianluca Scamacca.
Roma sporting director Tiago Pinto has reportedly made initial contact with the player’s agent Giuseppe Riso, who also represents other Roma stars Gianluca Mancini and Bryan Cristante. Talks are expected to be held with the Sassuolo management soon enough in light of the demand for Frattesi.
Both the Neroverdi and Giallorossi maintain excellent relations, having most recently dealt with the loan transfer of Riccardo Ciervo from the capital to Emilia-Romagna. And just like Riso’s presence as the mediator, Ciervo could prove to be another instrumental card up Roma’s sleeve for firing up negotiations.
Frattesi’s contract expires in 2025 and the Neroverdi intend to take full advantage of the midfielder’s worth. However, his valuation of €25m could prove to be ‘low’ and interested clubs will have to add an additional €5-10m to lure CEO Giovanni Carnevali’s attention, making it more of a hurdle to sell him to any team other than Roma.
The club executive also revealed in a recent interview with Il Messaggero (via RomaPress) of Roma’s intention never to have parted ways with their prized youth product, but then made peace with the fact that he would receive more playing minutes elsewhere.
As for the moment, it is Inter leading the race, with Napoli and Juventus not far behind. However, Roma enter the spotlight with the aim of capitalizing on their fruitful bond with the Neroverdi. Several factors play up for a successful transfer to go through, including the Giallorossi’s potential Champions League spot next campaign and also Frattesi’s intention to return to his ‘favourite team’.