Sassuolo chief Giovanni Carnevali has revealed that Barcelona also wanted Stefano Sensi, “but Inter were quicker.”
Sensi’s profile as a diminutive, ball-playing midfielder seemed to fit Barca’s ethos, but Carnevali explained how Inter made sure they wrapped up a deal for the midfielder before their Champions League rivals could begin to materialise their interest.
“When I was in Barcelona for the Marlon negotiations, one of the Barcelona executives asked me about Sensi,” he told Corriere dello Sport.
Sassuolo chief Giovanni Carnevali has revealed that Barcelona also wanted Stefano Sensi, “but Inter were quicker.”
Sensi’s profile as a diminutive, ball-playing midfielder seemed to fit Barca’s ethos, but Carnevali explained how Inter made sure they wrapped up a deal for the midfielder before their Champions League rivals could begin to materialise their interest.
“When I was in Barcelona for the Marlon negotiations, one of the Barcelona executives asked me about Sensi,” he told Corriere dello Sport.
“They knew about him and kept tabs on him too, but Inter were quicker. We closed the deal on a Friday, after a brief meeting at the Nerazzurri’s offices, which was also attended by Conte.
“On the following Monday, I would’ve had an important appointment with a foreign club…”
The 24-year-old ultimately moved to the Nerazzurri on a season-long loan from Sassuolo with an option to buy.
He has proved a revelation so far, with three goals in his first seven appearances for the Serie A high-fliers.