According to what has been reported by Italian newspaper Il Messaggero, Lazio are intensifying their pursuit of Hellas Verona starlet Marash Kumbulla. Although competition for the 20-year-old Albanian defender is reportedly tough, there is growing confidence amongst the Biancocelesti camp that a deal for the Verona center-back is doable.
Reports suggest that Kumbulla is near the top of the Lazio shopping list for the summer market and it is likely that he won’t set the club back an extortionate fee. The Italian-born defender would add an extra layer of depth to the Lazio defense and whilst Luiz Felipe, Stefan Radu and Francesco Acerbi will likely keep their places in the starting eleven next season, Kumbulla could be gradually eased into the squad whilst he adapts to playing at a higher level.
The defender himself could take great inspiration from the likes of Luiz Felipe, who earned his first opportunity to break into the Lazio squad at a young age, proved himself and has quickly become not only one of the most talented defenders in Serie A but one who has attracted the interest of some top European clubs, including Barcelona and Bayern Munich.
Reports have suggested that a range of clubs are keen on Kumbulla, with Inter suggested as domestic suitors whilst English newspaper The Sun reported, back in March, that Manchester United and Chelsea had set their sights on him. However, Lazio has a good working relationship with those in charge of the Veronese club and it is the belief that this will be enough to convince the defender to move to the Italian capital.
Kumbulla has had a true breakout season, quickly establishing himself in the Hellas Verona first team, as well as earning his debut for the Albanian national team in October 2019 as the side won 4-0 away to Moldova.
