Sassuolo CEO Giovanni Carnevali has confirms that AC Milan are yet to make contact for midfielder Davide Frattesi, and that Inter Milan are the team to have moved first.

Speaking to Italian broadcaster RAI Radio, via FCInterNews, Carnevali also confirmed that the Neroverdi’s asking price for the 23-year-old Italian international midfielder is €40 million.

Inter are pushing to sign Neroverdi and Italy star Davide Frattesi for next season.

However, a big impediment to the Nerazzurri’s pursuit could be city rivals AC Milan joining the race.

The Rossoneri are ready to make their move for Frattesi. They see the Neroverdi midfielder as a replacement for Sandro Tonali after the 23-year-old’s big money move to Newcastle United.

Accordingly, the Nerazzurri will be anxious to hurry about and complete a deal soon. They won’t want to give their city rivals time to mull over a bid, or else face the possibility of losing out on a major transfer target.

Carnevali has given Inter a boost, then. The Sassuolo executive has denied that Milan have come forward with any interest yet.

This could give the Nerazzurri time to sell Marcelo Brozovic and then sign Frattesi before Milan can firm up their interest.

Carnevali: No Contact From AC Milan For Frattesi, Inter Already In Talks

Asked about Milan’s interest, Carnevali replied “Personally, I haven’t met with the Rossoneri, there’s been no contact from them.”

He continued that “Inter are the club that moved first, but at the moment they’re evaluating things.”

“There’s no shortage of opportunities for him,” Carnevali continued. “We’ll see if offers from Milan or any other teams arrive.”

The Sassuolo CEO made clear that “We’re ready to listen to offers from everyone.”

Asked if the price tag for Frattesi is €40 million as reported, Carnevali replied “Yes, that’s what we’re asking. Then in negotiations we’ll discuss it. We’re always interested in young players, there’s no price tag that’s set in stone.”

The CEO also hinted that “I think the team who arrive first have a better chance of getting a deal done.”

Carnevali also made clear that “We’d like to close before the team retreats for preseason, in other words within the first ten days of July.”

“The player wants to go to a top club, but we’re expecting a deal that meets out conditions.”

“If we can give the player what he wants then we will,” Carnevali said. “I’d love to do that for him.”