(Credit: Imago)

Sunderland 'close in on Armand Lauriente' as Sassuolo transfer latest emerges

Alex is a lifelong Sunderland supporter who's been reporting on Mackem News since April 2025. Indeed, he started working for Breaking Media in April and has since graduated from St Mary's University as a NCTJ Gold Standard-accredited journalist, having completed his Master's degree in Sports Journalism. Alex previously worked for Football League World and has featured on the Roker Report, providing his opinion on all things Sunderland. While getting to the games is tricky, given his job, one of the highlights of his life was watching (and crying) as the Black Cats defeated Sheffield United at Wembley Stadium last season.

Published on:

07 Jul 2025, 4:00 am

Sunderland continue to make progress in the transfer market as negotiations get underway for more significant signings.

It has been a landmark window for the Wearsiders, who have already broken their transfer record twice ahead of a return to the Premier League.

With Florent Ghisolfi drafted in as Sunderland's Director of Football, the Black Cats are casting their net wide for talent.

Sunderland are now interested in Sassuolo winger Armand Lauriente, and there has been an update on their pursuit.

Sunderland hired Ghisolfi during this window following his stint at AS Roma (Credit: Imago)

Lauriente move to Sunderland gathers pace after transfer update

Sunderland enquired to Sassuolo about Lauriente earlier in the window, but now the move is progressing.

The 26-year-old enjoyed a stellar 2024/25 season in front of goal in Serie B, netting 18 times.

Armand Lauriente's 2024/25 Serie B statistics	Total
Appearances	33
Goals	18
Goal conversion	22%
Assists	5
Big chances created	6
Accurate passes	16.6 (80%)

Lauriente possesses some eye-catching numbers (Sofascore)

While he plays his football in Italy, there is a connection to Regis Le Bris going back to his Lorient days.

Lauriente worked under Le Bris at the Ligue 1 club during the 2022 pre-season before he signed for the Italian outfit.

Now, Sunderland and Sassuolo have entered into official negotiations to sign the French winger, according to L'Equipe (6 July).

They report that the Black Cats have the means to convince the Italian club to agree to a transfer, while the details of the negotiations have not been leaked.

If he signs, then Lauriente would follow Habib Diarra, Noah Sadiki, and Enzo Le Fee as new arrivals at the Stadium of Light.

Diarra was signed for £30million (Credit: Hasan Karim)

Lauriente would add serious competition on the wing

The 26-year-old has played predominantly as a left-winger, but can also play on the right or up front.

Sunderland need more strength in depth on the flanks, having lost Tommy Watson to Premier League rivals Brighton.

Romaine Mundle is Le Bris' strongest option on the left, but competition is required if they want to push on in the Premier League.

Lauriente's record in the final third alone is admirable, and he has 30 league goals over the last three seasons for Sassuolo.

It appears that Sunderland are closing in on yet another substantial signing ahead of their top-flight return, with fans delighted already.

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Armand Lauriente