Lazio have renewed their interest in Andrea Pinamonti after their proposed move for free agent Bamba Dieng broke down when the Senegal forward failed his medical because of a recurring knee problem.
The Serie A club have returned to negotiations with Sassuolo for Pinamonti, according to Calciomercato.com, after Dieng’s failed medical forced them to reassess their attacking options. The Italy international had already been a long-standing target for Lazio, but he has now moved to the top of manager Gennaro Gattuso’s shortlist.
Pinamonti enjoyed a productive campaign with Sassuolo last season, scoring nine goals and providing three assists in 36 Serie A appearances. His performances have helped maintain interest in the former Inter and Genoa striker, with Lazio now attempting to establish the terms of a possible transfer.
The proposed structure of the deal has changed as discussions have reopened. Lazio are seeking to sign Pinamonti on loan with an option to buy at the end of the agreement. Sassuolo, however, want any deal to include an obligation to buy, which would commit Lazio to completing a permanent transfer if the relevant conditions are met.
Pinamonti has indicated that he would be willing to move to Rome, meaning the main issue for the two clubs is reaching an agreement over the financial arrangement. Lazio’s interest is therefore active, but the difference between an optional purchase and a mandatory one must still be resolved.
Hull City have also shown interest in Pinamonti during the summer. The Championship club made an opening offer of about €10m, but Sassuolo rejected it and are seeking a fee closer to €15m for the striker.
The renewed pursuit comes after Lazio’s search for attacking reinforcements stalled once already during the current transfer window. The collapse of the move for Dieng has increased the pressure on Gattuso’s side to secure an alternative, with Pinamonti now once again their preferred option.
Lazio must still find common ground with Sassuolo on the deal’s financial structure and final terms. Pinamonti’s willingness to join the club has removed one potential obstacle, but the negotiations remain dependent on whether Sassuolo will accept a loan arrangement with only an option to buy or insist on an obligation.