After submitting their offer, Sunderland could now receive a major boost in pursuit of their late transfer target amid reports that the selling club are now set to discuss his departure.
Sunderland still chasing late targets
It’s already been a hectic summer for all involved at the Stadium of Light. As many as 12 fresh faces have arrived to join up with Regis Le Bris’ side, who are vying for survival at the first time of asking in the Premier League. But Sunderland aren’t done there. After suffering defeat at the hands of Burnley, a defensive reinforcement is still on the cards.
After losing Daniel Ballard to a groin injury against Burnley, it’s not a surprise that Sunderland have turned straight to the transfer market. Whilst the extent of his injury is yet to be revealed, the Black Cats will be keen to ensure that the drop-off in quality without their defensive leader isn’t so alarming.
As such, Chelsea’s Axel Disasi has reportedly emerged on their radar. The centre-back is part of the Stamford Bridge ‘bomb squad’ and doesn’t even have a place in Enzo Maresca’s dressing room as he continues to train away from the first-team. In desperate need of a move away, Sunderland would be an ideal option.
They’re not the only side interested, however. Battling alongside Sunderland, Bournemouth have also set their sights on the central defender and can offer a loan with an option to buy. Sunderland, of course, are not in a position to put a loan deal together, having already welcomed Marc Guiu on a temporary basis from the London club.
That said, Disasi is not the only name that those in Wearside have in mind. Reports are also suggesting that they’ve already tabled an offer to sign an alternative target.
Bologna now discussing Lucumi sale
According to reports in Italy, as relayed by Sport Witness, Bologna are now set to discuss the sale of Jhon Lucumi in a potential boost for Sunderland with their €30m (£26m) offer still on the table.
Although Bologna’s CEO, Claudio Fenucci, told reporters that the “timeframe for the offer didn’t materialise”, Sunderland have now been handed a glimmer of hope by reports claiming that the Italian club are already attempting to welcome Union Berlin’s Diogo Leite to replace Lucumi.
What’s more, the defender’s agent has been far from private when it comes to detailing his client’s desire to leave the club, saying via Fabrizio Romano: “Last year we were asked to stay and we did so with great availability. This year, however, since the beginning of the season, the message has always been clear on both sides: if the right offer had arrived, Jhon would have had the possibility of a transfer.”
With less than a week to go until the window slams shut, Sunderland’s offer remains on the table and Lucumi’s stance seemingly remains the same. But whether the defender ends the summer as a Premier League player still remains to be seen.