Sunderland Withdraws from Last-Minute Deal to Sign Kylian Mbappe’s Former Roommate

Sunderland have pulled out of their proposed deal to sign Armand Lauriente from Sassuolo.

The Black Cats had agreed a fee of £17.5million for the French forward, but they’ve now ended negotiations.

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talkSPORT understands that the move has collapsed due to a disagreement on personal terms.

The player had completed a medical and had even flown out to join Sunderland for their pre-season tour in Portugal.

However, a late dispute over some of the aspects in the contract have ensured the transfer is now dead in the water.

The Frenchman has returned to Italy and will wait to see if another move happens.

Lauriente was once roommates with Real Madrid superstar Kylian Mbappe at the famous football academy, Clairefontaine in France.

Of course, Mbappe’s career has turned out differently, and Lauriente will be wondering what comes next.

The forward has been tracked by West Ham and Tottenham Hotspur in the past and enjoyed a strong season in Serie B.

In 33 league appearances, he scored 18 goals and provided six assists as Sassuolo were promoted back to the top of Italian football.

The 26-year-old might end up now staying with the newly promoted side but any team that does come in for him knows what sort of fee it would take.

Meanwhile, Sunderland will look to quickly target other additions.

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After earning promotion in a dramatic Championship Play-Off Final in May, Regis Le Bris’ side have wasted no time in strengthening their squad.

The Wearsiders want to ensure that after eight years out of the Premier League, they don’t immediately get relegated.

As a result, they’ve spent more than any of the other promoted teams so far, splashing out nearly £120m on six first-team additions.

The majority of their business has been focused on the wide areas and midfield.

Enzo Le Fee’s official move from Roma was announced immediately after the final whistle blew at Wembley. Although Jobe Bellingham has departed, the team has welcomed Habib Diarra and Noah Sadiki, creating a refreshed midfield.

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Two wingers have also arrived in Simon Adingra and Chemsdine Talbi.

Adingra has Premier League experience with Brighton, while Talbi shone in the Champions League last year.

The other player to come in is experienced full-back Reinildo Mandava.

He has joined from Atletico Madrid after his contract expired, and turned down interest from other Premier League clubs to make it happen.

While missing out on Lauriente is disappointing, the Wearsiders have demonstrated their activity in this transfer window and will keep enhancing the squad before their home opener against West Ham.