Lazio Reportedly Negotiating Three January Deals With Genoa

Lazio and Genoa could end up exchanging three players in the upcoming January transfer window, according to circulating reports in the Italian press.

The Background

Earlier this week, it was reported that the Grifone are eyeing a move for Christos Mandas, who has been starved of playing time this season. Maurizio Sarri has thus far picked Ivan Provedel in each of Lazio’s 15 Serie A fixtures, and the latter has been further consolidating his status as the club’s No.1 with every impressive outing.

Lazio & Genoa Working on Christos Mandas & Nicola Leali Exchange

According to Il Messaggero (via Lazio Press), Genoa have proposed a swap deal that would send their current first-choice goalkeeper, Nicola Leali, to Formello, with Mandas arriving as a replacement. While it remains unclear if this would be an exchange of loans or a double permanent transfer, the source claims that Sarri has sanctioned the operation.

If this deal goes through, the Greek custodian would be able to play on a regular basis, while Lazio will have a reliable backup for Provedel in Leali, one who wouldn’t mind a secondary role. The 32-year-old started his career at Brescia before being poached by Juventus in 2012. After a series of loan spells, he joined Perugia in 2018 and then embarked on several other experiences in Serie B.

Lazio Looking to Replace Nuno Tavares with Aaron Martin

In addition to the two goalkeepers, Lazio and Genoa could also discuss a move for Aaron Martin. The Spaniard is a 28-year-old left-back who is currently running on an expiring deal. The Aquile have identified him as a replacement for Nuno Tavares, who could be on his way out of Rome in the coming weeks.

Lazio Also Keeping an Eye on Luca Netz

While Martin would be available on a free transfer in July, Lazio are willing to sign him next month on a cut-price deal. The alternative is Borussia Dortmund’s Luca Netz, a 22-year-old German left-back who will also become a free agent in the summer.