Ipswich Town launch Armand Lauriente move as Sassuolo name big-money price

A new era beckons at Ipswich Town. Those at Portman Road are about to enjoy their second attempt in three years at life in the Premier League and this time, there’s no Kieran McKenna in the dugout.

Instead, following the manager’s shock departure earlier this summer, it’s Gary O’Neill who finds himself in the hot-seat. The former Wolves and Bournemouth manager is back in England and tasked with following in the footsteps of Leeds United and Sunderland.

He’s certainly been backed so far, too. Daizen Maeda, Abdul Fatawu, Issa Diop and new record signing Emersonn have all arrived, but the Tractor Boys aren’t done there. The Suffolk-based club have also got their sights set on Armand Lauriente.

Interest in Lauriente arrives at the same time that Jaden Philogene has reportedly requested to leave Portman Road. The winger is already attracting interest from Fiorentina as well as clubs from Spain and Germany, with the end of his time at Ipswich seemingly on the horizon.

In his place, Lauriente would be an excellent replacement. The Sassuolo man played a starring role in Serie A last season, with 16 goal involvements to his name. At 27 years old, he’s been there and done it at the top level.

Alongside fellow new signings Maeda and Emersonn, the Sassuolo winger would form an excellent new-look frontline for O’Neill and perhaps even one that will seal survival.

Ipswich launch move to sign Armand Lauriente

According to reports in Italy, as relayed by Sport Witness, Ipswich have launched their move to sign Lauriente, making contact for the first time to enquire about his availability.

The winger was close to joining Sunderland last summer, before a move failed to take place. Now, 12 months later, Sassuolo have told Ipswich to pay as much as €30m (£26m) if they want to secure Lauriente’s signature.

It remains to be seen whether those at Portman Road will be willing to match that asking price, but the sale of Philogene would certainly help provide the necessary funds.

Ipswich close to signing Florentino Luis

It’s not just O’Neil’s attack that Ipswich want to improve. They’re also reportedly closing in on a deal to sign Florentino Luis from Burnley. The newly-promoted side have reached a verbal agreement to welcome the midfielder, swooping in to take full advantage of the Claret’s relegation.

Should they add the midfielder as expected and then sign Lauriente on top, Ipswich will take their list of arrivals to as many as 10 new names this summer.