Italiano’s Transfer Dilemma: Laurienté Out of Reach?
Vincenzo Italiano’s Besiktas are ready to abandon their pursuit of Sassuolo winger Armand Laurienté after deeming the Italian club’s asking price excessive, according to reports from Football Italia. The Turkish outfit had identified the French attacker as a key summer target but now appear unwilling to match the valuation set by the Serie A side, redirecting their efforts towards a more attainable alternative in Leandro Trossard.
The development casts fresh light on Italiano’s ambitious rebuilding project as he prepares for his first full season at the helm of the Istanbul giants. After a mixed campaign, the former Fiorentina coach is determined to add creativity and goal threat to his squad, and both Laurienté and Trossard fit the profile of a versatile, attacking wide player.
Sassuolo’s Firm Stance on Laurienté
Armand Laurienté has been a standout performer for Sassuolo since joining from Lorient in 2022. His pace, dribbling ability and eye for goal have attracted interest from across Europe, but the Neroverdi are under no pressure to sell having already secured a significant fee for another prized asset earlier in the window. Reports suggest that Besiktas made an initial approach, only to be informed that Laurienté would cost in excess of €25 million – a figure the Turkish club considers unrealistic given their budget constraints.
“Besiktas have made it clear they are not prepared to meet Sassuolo’s demands,” a source told Football Italia. “The gap in valuation is simply too wide, and the club’s focus has now shifted to other targets.”
Sassuolo’s resolve is understandable. They have a reputation for extracting maximum value from their young talents, and with Laurienté under contract until 2027, there is no immediate need to cash in. For Besiktas, the inflated market for attacking players in Italy has forced a rethink, especially with the Turkish Lira’s volatility making high‑cost imports a risky proposition.
Trossard Emerges as a Viable Alternative
With the Laurienté deal stalling, Besiktas have intensified their interest in Leandro Trossard. The Belgian international, currently at Arsenal, has found playing time hard to come by in recent months under Mikel Arteta, and a move away from the Emirates could reignite his career. Sources indicate that Besiktas have already submitted a formal bid and are hopeful of reaching an agreement with the player’s representatives.
Trossard’s ability to operate on either flank or as a secondary striker makes him an attractive proposition for Italiano’s tactical setup. At 31, he still possesses the technical quality and big‑game experience that Besiktas crave, particularly as they aim to challenge for the Süper Lig title and make a mark in Europe. Unlike the protracted negotiations with Sassuolo, Arsenal are believed to be open to a sale, with a fee in the region of €15‑20 million being floated.
Italiano’s Tactical Vision Taking Shape
Vincenzo Italiano built his reputation in Italy with an attractive, possession‑based style of football, and he is eager to imprint that philosophy on Besiktas. The signings of technical wide players are central to his plans. Laurienté’s explosiveness was seen as a perfect match, but the manager is pragmatic enough to recognize when the economics don’t add up. In Trossard, he gets a player with proven Premier League pedigree who can deliver immediately.
The urgency to reinforce the attack has been heightened by the departures of several forwards, and supporters are growing anxious for marquee arrivals. Besiktas’s hierarchy are backing their coach but insist on financial sustainability – a principle that the Laurienté chase has tested.
Key Takeaways
- Besiktas are likely to walk away from negotiations for Armand Laurienté due to Sassuolo’s high asking price, believed to exceed €25 million.
- The Turkish club have turned their attention to Arsenal’s Leandro Trossard, with an initial bid already submitted.
- Vincenzo Italiano is targeting versatile wide players to implement his possession‑oriented system, and Trossard fits the profile at a more attainable cost.
- Sassuolo’s strong negotiating position, with Laurienté under contract until 2027, has forced Besiktas to explore more economical options.
Quick Facts
Manager: Vincenzo Italiano (appointed 2026)
Target – Laurienté: 26, winger, Sassuolo (Serie A), contract until 2027
Asking Price: Estimated €25m+ (reported)
Alternative – Trossard: 31, winger, Arsenal (Premier League), contract until 2026
Potential Fee: €15‑20m (reported)