Sunderland make Matías Soulé approach as Ghisolfi leads €40m transfer push

Sunderland have reportedly made an approach for AS Roma attacker Matías Soulé as sporting director Florent Ghisolfi leads an ambitious attempt to bring him to the Stadium of Light.

The 23-year-old has attracted interest from several clubs after recording seven goals and eight assists in 42 appearances last season.

Roma are believed to value Soulé at between €35 million and €40m, meaning Sunderland would need to complete one of the biggest deals of their summer to win the race.

According to Tele Radio Stereo, Sunderland have now joined the competition for Soulé and recently made contact over a potential transfer.

It is not clear whether the Black Cats approached Roma, the player’s representatives or both.

Ghisolfi is said to be personally leading Sunderland’s pursuit.

The Frenchman knows Soulé well from his time as Roma’s director. The Italian club signed the Argentine from Juventus during Ghisolfi’s first month in the role.

That existing knowledge could be important as Sunderland explore the conditions of a deal.

Sunderland face significant competition for Soulé.

Tottenham and Aston Villa have previously been linked with the Argentina international, while his representatives have reportedly held talks with Villa and West Ham.

Borussia Dortmund are also interested and a move to Germany is believed to appeal to the player. However, Dortmund have not yet made concrete advances.

Soulé is reportedly not interested in moving to Saudi Arabia, increasing the possibility of a transfer elsewhere in Europe.

Sunderland can offer Europa League football after finishing seventh in the Premier League last season, which could strengthen their position.

Roma are under no pressure to accept a reduced offer.

Soulé remains under contract until 2029 and is valued at €35m, while previous reports have placed the club’s asking price between €35m and €40m.

There is currently no indication Sunderland have submitted a formal bid or agreed personal terms with the attacker.

However, their approach shows the Black Cats are seriously exploring an ambitious deal for one of Serie A’s most highly rated young attacking players.

Sunderland must now decide whether to turn their initial approach into a formal offer.

Ghisolfi’s previous relationship with Roma and knowledge of Soulé could help the Black Cats, but the asking price and competition make this a difficult transfer.

If Sunderland are prepared to move towards Roma’s €40m valuation, their ambitious pursuit could quickly become one of the biggest transfer stories of their summer.