According to Italian Lazio fan website La Lazio Siamo Noi, Lazio could make a move for Liverpool central defender Dejan Lovren this summer.
The Biancocelesti are taking advantage of the suspension of all competitions to plan for the future; they are reflecting on potential strategies ahead of next season. One of the rumors that has leaked out of Formello is that a defender must be signed. This is primarily due to the likely departure of Bastos; no agreement has been able to be found regarding a contract extension. As a result, with UEFA Champions League football around the corner, Claudio Lotito and Igli Tare are looking to bolster the squad and provide Simone Inzaghi with a defender of experience and quality; Lovren has been labeled as a potential target.
The 30-year-old’s contract is due to expire in the summer of 2021, and with a renewal with the Reds deemed as ‘complicated’, it is probable that he will leave Melwood in the upcoming transfer window. Lovren has made 57 appearances for the Croatia National Team and 184 for Liverpool. Although Lazio is aware that he is a fan of Rome – with fellow Croatia and Liverpool teammates already playing in the league and for the Biancocelesti – issues stem from the obstacles that will arise during the negotiation with the club (price to pay) and the player himself (salary).
Liverpool is not looking to offer any sort of discount, despite his contract expiring in 2021, requesting at least €20 million to allow him to leave. In addition, Dejan is an expensive player; he currently makes €5 million per season. Although he could be convinced with a lower salary, it would only work if he is offered a long-term deal. Furthermore, Lazio is not the only club to be thinking about the defender. Milan, Lyon, Arsenal, and Tottenham have expressed their interest.
