The rumors have been piling up for potential Lazio arrivals. Everyday, new players are being linked to the biancocelesti, some carrying more weight than others. We will try to predict these arrivals and give updates as we move through the offseason.
We can start at the goalkeeper position, where a few new names have been linked for a possible backup role to Strakosha. We start with Marco Sportiello from Atalanta, Joel Pereira from Manchester United and ex-Napoli keeper Mariano Andujar from Estudiantes. There hasn’t been an abundance of news on the backup goalkeeper spot, but at the moment those are the three names being considered for the spot.
In defense two names who were heavily linked to Lazio, now seem to be very distant, albeit it impossible targets for Igli Tare. Matija Nastasic just renewed his contract with current club Schalke 04, which takes him off the table. Holger Badstuber, who seemed very close to signing with Lazio, is now considered very unlikely, as the player ‘wants champions league football’ next season. On the flip side, Francesco Acerbi still seems very likely to join Lazio from Sassuolo, as he has given the green light to join the club. Negotiating a transfer fee for the player seems like the only thing standing in his way to pursue his career in the capital city. Sassuolo is asking for 15 million, which seems too steep an asking price for Tare and Lotito, who are trying to reduce that demand by adding a player to the negotiations. Armando Izzo of Genoa is also still being linked to the club, with the Lazio brass holding great relations with the rossoblu club. Diego Carlos of Nantes is also a player being watched by Lazio, with an estimated cost of 10 million Euros. With Juventus still pushing for Milinkovic-Savic, rumor has it they are planning to offer defender Daniele Rugani as part of the deal to lower the cost of acquiring the Serbian. A new intriguing player has popped into the Lazio transfer rumors to be the apparent heir to Stefan De Vrij. With a very similar build to the Dutchman, Lucas Verissimo from Santos FC is being linked to Lazio and Torino, with a transfer fee of around 10 million Euros. He can be the perfect replacement at center-back and form a nice pair with Luiz Felipe.
In midfield we start with a rumored possible replacement for Milinkovic-Savic if, and only if the Serbian giant is sold this offseason. Andre Gomes of Barcelona, being priced at 25 million Euros is being linked to Lazio as reported by Mundo Deportivo. He would be a big acquisition for the club, but at that price tag the move would be directly linked to the mega sale of Milinkovic-Savic. Another rumor that has been picking up steam as of late is the interest in Diego Laxalt of Genoa. Lazio seem to be the frontrunners for the player, with an estimated 15 million price tag being discussed. When asked about Lazio interest in his player Genoa’s DS Perinetti answered “Perche no” which leads us to believe he is highly available and would be an excellent piece of business for the roman club. Another player who has been heavily linked to Lazio recently is SPAL’s Manuel Lazzari. He can play any position on the right-wing, which is a spot Lazio is trying to improve this offseason. A few other names being scouted by Igli Tare for the midfield position are thought to be Rade Krunic of Empoli, Ruben Neves of Wolverhampton, Roberto Soriano of Villareal, Ganso from Sevilla and Vincenzo Grifo from Borussia Monchengladbach. As mentioned earlier, Juventus is still trying to drop Milinkovic-Savic’s enormous price tag, with rumors of Marko Pjaca and Stefano Sturaro being offered to Lazio in return. There is also a meeting scheduled for Daniele Baselli of Torino, who the club feel is an ideal player for the midfield going forward.
In attack, the Lucas Perez rumors have been reignited, with the attacker stating he would love to play alongside former teammate and friend Luis Alberto. The two were spotted having supper together earlier this week. He does not seem to be apart of Unai Emery’s Arsenal plans moving forward and could be a great addition for Lazio. Andrea Petagna rumors have also heated up this past week as his agent and Gianluca Di Marzio have confirmed interest from Lazio and Simone Inzaghi. He is still young, knows Italian football well and is a big target that can hold the ball. He can also possibly play alongside Immobile while also being his direct backup. Also from Atalanta, renewed interest in Papu Gomez by Tare and Inzaghi has made headlines as of late, but it seems unlikely the captain of the Bergamo club will be willing to leave. Other players linked to Lazio in attack are Vincent Janssen from Tottenham, Diogo Jota of Wolverhampton, Andres Pereira of Manchester United and Federico Macheda of Novara Calcio. It appears Lazio interest in Manolo Gabbiadini is also back on, as he is seen to be a perfect player to back up Immobile and bring some quality play and goals that the club desperately needed this past season at that spot.
