Lazio are unable to add a new striker to their ranks, as Petar Ratkov has turned down the opportunity to join Southampton.
The Background
The Biancocelesti need to buy a new centre-forward capable of boosting their meager attacking numbers from last season (41 goals in 38 Serie A games). However, the club has been restricted to a net-zero transfer campaign, so they can only generate funds for new arrivals through fresh sales.
Therefore, Lazio have been hoping to offload Ratkov, whom Gennaro Gattuso considered inapt to his tactical ideas, despite his pre-season goalscoring exploits. The head coach explained that he prefers a more mobile striker to lead the line.
Petar Ratkov Turns Down Southampton
Last week, Dynamo Moscow launched an onslaught for the Serbian forward, offering €15 million. But according to Italian journalist Alfredo Pedulla, Ratkov had already turned down the Russian offer, and has now rejected an offer from Southampton, who were also determined to bring him to St. Mary’s Stadium.
This is painful a blow for Lazio, who were hoping to cash in on the 22-year-old who arrived in January as a replacement for Taty Castellanos, but has yet to score for the club in a competitive fixture.
Lazio Must Offload Ratkov to Sign a New Striker
Pedulla adds that the Aquile are planning to replace Ratkov with either Lorenzo Lucca or Andrea Pinamonti. Both strikers are represented by Giuseppe Riso, Davide Frattesi’s agent. So while the Inter Milan midfielder is on the verge of signing for Lazio, the club is still hopeful of adding another of Riso’s clients to their ranks.
Mauro Icardi Also on the Shortlist?
On the other hand, Sky Sport Italia reported on Wednesday night that the Italian capital side has opened a dialogue with Mauro Icardi and his entourage. The 33-year-old Argentine has been be a free agent since leaving Galatasaray at the end of the previous campaign.
Sell Dia instead. Stop wasting time and build this team so they can get familiar with each other.
Exactly !!
Dia has zero trade value. I read an article which quoted Ratkov’s agent.
His agent stated Ratkov desperately wants to prove himself at Lazio, but his morale is low as 2 managers have listed zero faith in him.
At this stage in his career, Lazio is the biggest club that he will be able to play for, so I understand his desire to stay.
Gattuso, on the other, is likely to be gone in 1-2 seasons. He’s already showing signs of defiance to Lotito. He put the captain’s arm band on Romagnoli TWICE in the pre-season…
If Ratkov isn’t willing to leave, it may be best to see how he does this season.
His form looked solid in the pre-season games (albeit, against Serie B/C clubs), but I wouldn’t mind seeing how he performs with a bit of confidence to him.
Gatusso won’t last one full season.
He reminds me Kozak. No one expected absolutely nothing from him but he did pretty well after all. For me Ratkov should be tested on real games before send him out. But it’s the coach who has the last word If he stays or better to be sold.
If Ratkov accepts a move for 15m then Lazio should 100% accept it, however, he won’t as the only clubs making offers are lower tier.
In this case, I 100% agree with you. Instead of beating up his morale, Lazio should invest in the idea that he will be apart of the club to start the season. I’d like to see Ratkov perform with a bit of confidence.
Funny thing is that there’s often a problem offloading a player who joined a season (or less) before. If the player isn’t needed and doesn’t fit, why bring him in the first place!!