After failing to acquire the services of Torino’s rising star Samuele Ricci, Lazio boss Maurizio Sarri has turned his attention to other targets. As per Gianluca Di Marzio, the Italians have submitted an official bid for Marseille vice-captain Matteo Guendouzi.
It’s understood Lazio have approached the Ligue 1 side with a concrete proposal worth €13 million plus €5m in add-ons for the 24-year-old. Though their initial offer falls just short of Marseille’s €18m asking price, there’s a feeling they could soon get the deal over the line.
Adding to this sentiment, Guendouzi has already agreed to join Lazio after tumbling down the pecking order under new Marseille boss Marcelino. Although Les Olympiens would ideally get €15m upfront plus another €3m in bonuses, the agreement could be found at a halfway point.
There’s another formula on the table. Lazio would preferably take the Frenchman on loan with an obligation to buy. While it’s not the most exciting option for Marseille, they may have to sanction it with the time ticking away.
Guendouzi has lost Marcelino’s trust following a woeful performance in the Champions League qualifying clash against Panathinaikos. But Lazio are willing to give him the benefit of the doubt as Sarri desperately needs midfield reinforcements after losing Sergej Milinkovic-Savic to Al-Hilal.
Daichi Kamada and Nicolo Rovella have linked up with Lazio this summer. But Sarri’s idea of replacing the Serbian midfielder requires an additional investment. Guendouzi could fill the blank, but the Italians must find a quick resolution with Marseille.
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