DONE DEAL IMMINENT”- Sunderland in Talks to complete the signing of Former Wolves Target, ‘Gabriel Martinelli-Like’ Winger With 24 Goal Contributions as club looking to strengthen their attack for the 2025-26 Premier League season
Sunderland in Talks to Sign Former Wolves Target Armand Laurienté
Sunderland are actively looking to bolster their attack ahead of the 2025–26 Premier League campaign and are reportedly in negotiations to sign a player likened to Gabriel Martinelli.
Following their playoff triumph—beating Coventry in the semifinals and Sheffield United in the final—the Black Cats secured a return to the Premier League.
Since then, the club has been linked with a number of reinforcements across the pitch.
While they’ve lost talented midfielder Jobe Bellingham to Borussia Dortmund, most of the transfer buzz has focused on defenders and forwards, with the club aiming to support new head coach Régis Le Bris.
Laurienté on Sunderland’s Radar
According to journalist Matteo Moretto, Sunderland are in discussions with Sassuolo to sign 26-year-old French winger Armand Laurienté.
The player had previously attracted interest from Wolves, but the Midlands side chose to sign Carlos Forbs instead last summer.
Now, it looks like Laurienté may finally arrive in the Premier League—but this time, wearing a Sunderland shirt.
The French winger enjoyed a standout season in Serie B with Sassuolo, tallying 18 goals and 5 assists in 33 appearances, starting 29 of those games. He also netted once in the Coppa Italia, bringing his total goal contributions to 24 for the season.
Versatile, Dynamic, and Compared to Martinelli
Laurienté, who primarily plays on the left wing, is also comfortable on the right and through the middle as a center forward. His energetic and direct playing style has drawn comparisons to Arsenal’s Gabriel Martinelli, according to The Athletic.
Despite his domestic form, Laurienté has only featured at the U-21 level for France. Transfermarkt currently values him at around €15 million (approximately £13 million).
Details regarding the structure or terms of a potential deal have not yet been revealed, and it remains to be seen whether negotiations will progress in the coming days.
