Lazio have reportedly entered the fray for Panathinaikos bomber Fotis Ioannidis who is already a transfer target for a host of clubs around Europe.
The 24-year-old is a Greek international player who has been plying his trade in the Green side of Athens since 2020. This season, he earned himself further recognition with his goal-scoring exploits, especially by bagging five goals in the Europa League.
The striker found the back of the net on 21 occasions across all competitions this season. He also provided his teammates with seven assists in 38 total appearances. His impressive stats have caught the attention of several suitors in the Old Continent.
According to Sky Sport Italia journalist Manuele Baiocchini (via La Lazio Siamo Noi), Lazio are keeping tabs on Ioannidis, as they hope to lure him to the Italian capital in the summer. The centre-forward would cost around 15 million euros, while his contract with Panathinaikos runs until 2027.
The Aquile will be searching the market for a new marksman in the summer, with Ciro Immobile’s future at Stadio Olimpico no longer certain. The club captain isn’t enjoying his most prosperous campaign as his goals have been gradually drying up.
Moreover, Immobile’s understudy Taty Castellanos hasn’t truly set the world on fire since his arrival at Lazio in the summer. Therefore, a new striker would be a welcomed addition to Igor Tudor’s squad.
Nevertheless, the Biancocelesti could face some stern competition for Ioannidis’ signature. As Baiocchini reports, Sevilla, Stuttgart, Eintracht Frankfurt and Sporting Lisbon are all on the player’s trail.
But as the journalist explains, Lazio’s interest is serious, as they have already sent scouts to monitor the bomber live and will continue to keep an eye on him in the coming months.
