The race for Ognjen Ugrešić is gathering momentum, with Bologna and Sassuolo both actively pursuing the highly-rated Partizan youngster as the Serie A transfer market continues to heat up.
According to reports, Softfootball understands the two Italian clubs are closely monitoring the talented midfielder and are expected to step up their efforts in the coming days as they look to secure one of the region’s brightest emerging prospects.
Sassuolo could soon have room for another midfield addition, with Kristian Thorstvedt attracting strong interest from Fiorentina. The Viola are pushing to complete a deal for the Norwegian international, whose potential departure would open the door for Sassuolo to accelerate their pursuit of Ugrešić.
Bologna, meanwhile, are also keen to strengthen their squad ahead of the new campaign and view the Partizan star as a player capable of making an immediate impact while offering significant long-term potential.
Chelsea have already completed one of their major pieces of summer business by securing the signing of promising Italian full-back Marco Palestra from Atalanta.
The Blues agreed a transfer package worth €50 million plus €5 million in add-ons for the 21-year-old defender, who impressed during his loan spell at Bologna and was regarded as one of Serie A’s standout young defenders last season.
With Chelsea finalising Palestra’s arrival and several Italian clubs battling over emerging talents, the summer transfer window continues to gather pace as teams across Europe reshape their squads ahead of the 2026/27 season.
