Lazio striker Petar Ratkov could end up joining Dynamo Moscow, who are hellbent on securing his services.
Petar Ratkov Struggled in First Six Months at Lazio
The 22-year-old joined the Biancocelesti in January as a replacement for Taty Castellanos, who headed to West Ham United. However, he saw little playing time under Maurizio Sarri and has yet to open his account for the club. Nevertheless, a promising pre-season campaign has apparently attracted interest from Russia.
Dynamo Moscow Determined to Buy Ratkov
On Friday, Ratkov’s agent denied all reports linking his client to Dynamo Moscow. However, this story has been confirmed by some of the most reliable journalists in Italy, like Alfredo Pedulla and Gianluca Di Marzio, in addition to Lazio-specialized sources. These reports revealed that the Russian club approached the Biancocelesti, offering more than €15 million for the young centre-forward.
Dynamo Moscow Testing Lazio’s Resolve With Improved Offer
According to La Lazio Siamo Noi, Dynamo have now raised their offer to €18 million, making it increasingly more difficult for the Biancocelesti to resist. After all, this would ensure them a significant capital gain on a player who cost them €13 million only seven months ago.
On the other hand, Italian journalist Damiano Er Faina reports that Lazio have set their asking price at €25 million, but he believes an agreement between the two clubs could be found at €18 million. However, it remains to be seen if Ratkov would be willing to move, as he feels he still has some unfinished business at the club.
Gattuso Keen to Bring in a New Striker
The Serbian striker was hoping to start anew under Gennaro Gattuso, but the latter is adamant about buying a new centre-forward, so he probably wouldn’t mind selling the former RB Salzburg player if his departure funds the arrival of his desired No.9.
The Lazio head coach has identified AC Milan’s Santiago Gimenez as his ‘dream’ signing in attack, but Benfica’s Franjo Ivanovic and Sassuolo’s Andrea Pinamonti are considered more attainable.
Sell him for 18m and bring in Ivanovic on loan with option or obligation to buy. This would be a great deal.
I agree. Gimenez would be nice, but the only way that works is if Romagnoli is offloaded, or if Dynamo raises the offer to 20m.
However, Lazio will only have ~2-7m for a CB replacement and they are already thin in that department… unless they can sell Pellegrini, or one of the expiring contracts?
Ivanovic isn’t much of an upgrade over Ratkov, but he earns a low salary, and should be available for under 18m which helps the financials.
Making a capital gain on Ratkov after not involving him in the plans for over half a year, wouldn’t be bad. But with Lazio that always opens the door to starting the season without a striker.
To be honest I don’t really think we’re going to get far anyway. Sell him save the money and use that young kid that they were playing with Aristco. The same Gamble. Then if you’re doing half decent in January transfer window you spend the money. And I don’t think cancelleri should go either.
That’s asking a lot from the Primavera players.
I agree that Aristico, Serra, and Sana should be elevated, but immediately inserting them into the 9 role is essentially asking them to become the new leading scorers.