Godwin ObajeSunderland Plot Ambitious Move for Sassuolo Star Armand Lauriente as Le Bris Eyes Firepower
Sunderland are preparing a bold statement of intent ahead of their Premier League return, with reports in Italy linking them to Sassuolo forward Armand Lauriente.
The 26-year-old Frenchman, who struck 19 goals and registered six assists in 34 appearances across all competitions last season, is reportedly on the radar of Black Cats boss Régis Le Bris. According to AS Roma Live, Sunderland have joined a competitive race involving Roma, Bologna, Fiorentina, and Marseille for the versatile attacker, with a fee of around £17 million mooted.
Lauriente, who earned promotion from Serie B with Sassuolo after a prolific campaign, is viewed as a high-level attacking option capable of making the leap to England’s top flight. A former France U21 international, he brings not just goals but creativity — completing 31 successful dribbles, creating 37 chances, and delivering 43 shots on target from 81 attempts last term. His 152 touches in the opposition box underline his consistent threat in and around the penalty area.
Renowned football scout Jacek Kulig described Lauriente as “amazing,” and Sunderland’s pursuit of the Frenchman suggests they are serious about competing in the Premier League rather than simply surviving.
A key factor driving the Black Cats’ interest may be the striker’s previous working relationship with Le Bris, under whom he played at Lorient. That shared history could provide Sunderland with a crucial edge in negotiations, as they attempt to beat a string of more established European clubs to his signature.
The move comes at a time of transition for the Wearsiders, following the departures of breakout talents Tommy Watson and Jobe Bellingham to Brighton and Borussia Dortmund respectively. Sporting Director Kristjaan Speakman recently defended the club’s handling of Watson’s exit, stressing the importance of honesty with supporters.
“I understand that the way that landed might have seemed peculiar to some people and that it’s probably not something that has happened a lot here before,” Speakman said.
“But like I said from the start, Tommy’s commitment to Sunderland and what we were trying to achieve in the season was never in doubt. If it was, then we wouldn’t have done things the way we did.”
Lauriente’s arrival would not only fill a significant attacking void but signal a serious shift in ambition under Le Bris, who is looking to build a squad capable of competing at the highest level. Sunderland are also believed to be considering other reinforcements, including Chelsea’s Ishe Samuels-Smith and Wolves midfielder Tommy Doyle, as part of a wide-ranging summer rebuild.
In defence, the Black Cats are reportedly keen to activate Millwall centre-back Japhet Tanganga’s £1.2 million release clause, although attacking reinforcements appear to be the current priority.
Sunderland’s intent is clear: they want to bring Premier League-ready quality to the Stadium of Light. If they can convince Lauriente to join the project, it could be one of the most significant coups of the summer for a newly-promoted side.
Godwin Obaje
