The decisive meeting between Juventus and Sassuolo to discuss Manuel Locatelli is set for this lunchtime, with one final offer on the table.
The Italy international has made it abundantly clear he only wants to join the Old Lady this summer, turning down a far more lucrative proposal from Arsenal.
It is widely reported that today’s summit is the final chapter, so either Juve come away with an agreement or they will turn to different objectives to reinforce their midfield.
The importance of the event is evident from the planned presence of CEO Maurizio Arrivabene and director Federico Cherubini for Juventus.
Their most recent €32m proposal was rejected, but another increase is likely to edge closer to the €40m asking price.
As before, it would be technically a loan with obligation to buy, perhaps over two years, enabling the Turin giants to spread out the cost of the payment.
La Gazzetta dello Sport outline that the loan would cost €5m, with obligation at qualification for the Champions League in the second season for another €20m.
There are also €7m in performance-related bonuses and up to 25 per cent cut of any future transfer fee.
Sassuolo rejected this, wanting no conditions on the obligation to buy and a higher overall figure.
Juve are also happy to include a youth team player as part of the exchange.
Calciomercato Juve, vertice col Sassuolo per #Locatelli: un rilancio e si chiude https://t.co/92Dm02HwOK
— La Gazzetta dello Sport (@Gazzetta_it) August 13, 2021