The latest reports from Italian media outlet All Market suggest that Sassuolo striker Lauriente has taken the extreme action of going on strike after Marseille's offer was rejected by the club, as a way of expressing his strong desire to leave the club this summer. The move not only highlights Lauriente's urgency to join a new team, but also makes him the focus of more attention in the transfer market.
Since Sassuolo's relegation to Serie B, Lauriente has become the target of many teams competing for his services. Fenerbach, coached by Jose Mourinho, was the first to make an offer that included a transfer fee of 12 million euros and 3 million euros in bonuses, but it was rejected by Sassuolo. Immediately after, Marseille also joined the battle, they put forward a 1 million euros loan plus 14 million euros buyout fee offer, however, this program also failed to impress Sassuolo.
Marseille's manager, De Zerbi, has favored Lauriente as a priority target for his striker. Lauriente himself is also inclined to return to Ligue 1, especially to join a team as ambitious as Marseille. However, his path to a transfer looks extremely difficult in the face of Sassuolo's insistence.
After successive failed offers, Lauriente chose the extreme tactic of a strike to put pressure on the club. He did not participate in the team's training session for two consecutive days as a way to express his dissatisfaction and determination. However, this move did not change Sassuolo's attitude, but rather made potential buyers such as Marseille start to reconsider their options.
Marseille have reportedly turned their attention to Norwich striker Jonathan Law after their offer was rejected. They are close to completing the deal for €14 million plus a €3 million floating bonus, which is certainly a response to Laurient's strike behavior.
