Lazio Forward Who Rejected Southampton Has Suitors in Spain & Germany

Sevilla and other clubs from Spain and Germany have reportedly joined the race for unwanted Lazio centre-forward Petar Ratkov.

Petar Ratkov is Considered Surplus to Requirements at Lazio

The 22-year-old only joined the Biancocelesti last January, completing a €13 million transfer from RB Salzburg. However, Maurizio Sarri was far from delighted with the Serbian’s arrival, insisting he didn’t know who he was. Therefore, Ratkov spent the second half of the season on the bench and has yet to open his goal-scoring account for the club.

Ratkov Doesn’t Fit Gattuso’s Plans

The young bomber was hoping for better fortune under Gennaro Gattuso, especially following a positive pre-season. However, the new Lazio head coach has reiterated that Ratkov’s characteristics as a penalty-box striker don’t suit his playing system, as he is seeking a more dynamic profile. And with Andrea Pinamonti joining the club in the coming hours, the Serbian will become redundant.

Ratkov Rejected Southampton & Dynamo Moscow

In recent weeks, Ratkov turned down offers from Dynamo Moscow and Southampton, choosing to fight for his place at Lazio. But with the forward facing another season on the bench, it would be wise for him to start entertaining offers, especially with more suitors queuing up for his services.

Sevilla Among LaLiga Clubs Interested in Ratkov

According to Italian journalist Alfredo Pedulla, multiple LaLiga clubs have enquired about Ratkov, including Sevilla, who are still in the market for a new centre-forward. It remains to be seen if these clubs will make concrete offers in the coming hours.

Mainz & Augsburg Also Tracking Ratkov

Moreover, La Lazio Siamo Noi is reporting interest from Germany, particularly from two Bundesliga clubs. The first is Mainz, who need a replacement for their striker Benedict Hollerbach, who ruptured his Achilles tendon in January, while the second is Augsburg. Lazio will be keen to find a solution before the transfer deadline.