Serie A giants Lazio are reportedly poised to rival Fulham for the signing of wantaway Chelsea winger Callum Hudson-Odoi. Alfredo Pedulla claims Maurizio Sarri’s men have joined the race for the unsettled youngster after the Cottagers’ opening bid fell flat.
Despite being informed of the 22-year-old’s desire to leave Stamford Bridge this summer, Chelsea won’t let their homegrown forward go cheap. They have made that clear by turning down Fulham’s initial approach, hoping to obtain a decent transfer fee.
Lazio may try to hijack the London side’s effort to keep the Englishman in the capital after completing their first summer signing on Friday. Valentin Castellanos signed a multi-year contract at the Stadio Olimpico after the Biancocelesti agreed to pay New York City FC a substantial €20m.
In addition to Castellanos, the Italians are targeting Torino starlet Samuele Ricci. Lazio tabled a €15m bid to sign the Italian youngster in midweek. While waiting for Torino’s response, they’re working on reinforcing Sarri’s attacking options.
Following a rather underwhelming season-long loan at Xabi Alonso’s Bayer Leverkusen, Hudson-Odoi is desperate to revive his stuttering career. It won’t be possible at Chelsea, but Lazio could offer him a genuine opportunity to showcase his talents in Serie A.
With Felipe Anderson facing an uncertain future amid interest from Saudi Arabia, Lazio won’t take any chances leaving Sarri strapped for reliable offensive prospects. Hudson-Odoi, who attracted interest from Bayern Munich four years ago, deserves the benefit of the doubt.
But it may take a significant financial effort to lure him away from Chelsea.
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