Gianluca Scamacca is said to have turned down the chance to join Arsenal in the summer transfer window.
The 23-year-old was a revelation for the Neroverdi in the most recent Serie A season, scoring 16 goals in 36 appearances in the top league.
Only five players scored more goals in the Italian top division than Scamacca in 2021-22, and his success has also helped him break into the Italy setup and win four caps thus far.
The 6ft 4in attacker appeared in 45 minutes of Italy’s Finalissima defeat to Argentina on Wednesday and has piqued the interest of numerous European suitors, although Sassuolo are in a strong negotiating position.
Scamacca’s contract with the Neroverdi was only renewed two months ago, and his present terms don’t expire until the end of the 2025-26 season.
Arsenal were said to be interested in signing the former Lazio, Roma, and PSV youngster this summer, with a £35 million deal being tabled.
However, according to Italian writer Alfredo Pedulla of the Daily Mail, Scamacca has rejected down Arsenal’s offers and has no desire to play in the Premier League.
Scamacca will want to play for one of the biggest teams in his hometown, according to Pedulla, prompting Arsenal to hunt elsewhere for a striker after Dusan Vlahovic took a similar route in January.