Report: Sokratis Does Not Convince Lazio; Hunt for a Defensive Reinforcement Continues

Sokratis Papastathopoulos / Arsenal

With a few more days left in the winter transfer window, Lazio is looking to reinforce their backline.

The Biancocelesti want to get back into the top four in Serie A and pull an upset over FC Bayern Munich in their UEFA Champions League Round of 16 matchups to continue to prove that they’re one of Italy’s best. 

Sokratis Papastathopoulos is a name that was reportedly coming to Lazio on a free transfer after the Greece international terminated his contract with Arsenal FC. However, this move doesn’t seem to be the case. 

According to Gianluca Di Marzio (via La Lazio Siamo Noi), the Italian side won’t bring the 32-year-old to Rome. Di Marzio reports that Lazio is looking elsewhere wants to acquire a younger defender this transfer window. 

Lazio is looking for a defender, but it won’t be Sokratis. The player has not entirely convinced them; Igli Tare is looking for a younger profile and will certainly find him. Papastathopoulos remains available and is being followed by Real Betis, Genoa and Olympiakos.

Sokratis will turn 33 this summer and is on the backend of his career, and unless he experiences a youth spurt in these last few years, it would be wise for Lazio to look for a younger profile. 

Tags Arsenal FC Igli Tare Lazio Sokratis Sokratis Papastathopoulos Tare