Vincenzo Morabito, football agent and market intermediary, reflected on Lazio’s failed attempt to sign Olivier Giroud.
The Biancocelesti were heavily linked with a move for the 36-year-old French striker back in January 2020 but ultimately failed to secure the player’s signature, not agreeing a deal with Chelsea. Later that year in September, Lazio signed Vedat Muriqi from Fenerbahce in a deal worth around €20 million.
Speaking to Il Giornale (via LazioNews24), Morabito reflected on Lazio’s interest in Giroud and why he wasn’t signed in January 2020.
Bravo to Massara and Maldini for closing a difficult negotiation with Chelsea. Unlike many clubs they were not deterred by the moves of the Chelsea directors.
Lazio? Inzaghi wanted him badly, but they didn’t listen to him. Then the club decided to spend €20 million on Muriqi.
Juventus? Paratici preferred Morata to him.
Muriqi never lived up to his €20 million price tag in the Italian capital and was sold to RCD Mallorca in the summer of 2022 for a deal worth around €8 million. He has since hit the ground running in Spain, scoring eight goals in 12 La Liga appearances.
Giroud is continuing to prove his class with Milan and France, playing an important role up front for both teams. In the Lombardy capital, the Frenchman has scored nine goals and provided five assists in 19 games across all competitions.
