Serie A runners-up Lazio have reportedly set a date for Valentin Castellanos’ medical examinations ahead of his move from New York City. According to Corriere dello Sport (via LazioNews24), the Argentine striker will touch down in Rome on Monday to undergo fitness tests before penning a multi-year contract.
Lazio found common ground with New York City on Saturday, agreeing to pay €15 million plus €5m in add-ons to sign Castellanos. If everything goes right, the former MLS Golden Boot winner will put pen to paper on a five-year deal worth €1.8m net per season.
Claudio Lotito has chosen the 24-year-old as a new center-forward option as Ciro Immobile approaches the autumn of his playing career. His impending arrival should bolster Maurizio Sarri’s attacking options and help Immobile get some rest.
The 33-year-old has been handling the goalscoring responsibility at Lazio almost single-handedly for years. Castellanos, who enjoyed an impressive loan campaign at Girona last season, could unload some of that burden if he clicks with Sarri’s squad.
Joining Lazio this early in the summer should give Castellanos enough time to get familiar with the new surroundings. His price tag suggests he comes with the intention of being a first-choice striker in the 2023/24 season.
If everything goes smoothly, Lazio will unveil Castellanos as their first summer signing by Tuesday. The Biancocelesti can then switch their attention to strengthening other squad areas, namely the midfield. After offloading Sergej Milinkovic-Savic to Al-Hilal, they must land a new playmaker.
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