Lazio & Roma in Four-Horse Race for Relegated Serie A Defender

Lazio and their arch-rivals Roma are among four Serie A clubs chasing young Empoli centre-back Saba Goglichedze.

Sarri’s Defensive Plans

Maurizio Sarri is determined to build his defensive foundation starting from his old allies, Alessio Romagnoli and Mario Gila, but both players have been linked with an exit.

As exclusively revealed by The Laziali journalist Alfredo Pedulla, the Biancocelesti have rejected €40 million from Bournemouth for Gila, but it remains to be seen if the Cherries, or any other suitor, will try to test Lazio’s resolve with a more lucrative bid. As for Romagnoli, he has yet to reach an agreement with the management over a new contract.

Lazio Join the Race for Saba Goglichidze

Hence, the Aquile continue to monitor market opportunities, and according to Torpedo Kutaisi, they have enquired about Goglichidze, who is also a target of Roma, Fiorentina and Parma.

The 20-year-old is a Georgian international who started his career at his hometown club of Torpedo Kutaisi before joining Empoli in January 2024. This season, the youngster cemented himself as a protagonist at the back for the Tuscans, making 33 appearances in Serie A. However, his efforts couldn’t prevent the Azzurri’s relegation to Serie B on the final day of the season.

Goglichidze’s Contract & Market Value

Unfortunately for Empoli, they are about to suffer an exodus of young and promising talent. In addition to Jacopo Fazzini (another renowned Lazio target), Goglichidze is expected to move to a bigger club, and the relegated side has set the asking price at €7-8 million. The defende’rs contract is valid until June 2027.