Despite seven signings already being confirmed for the 2022/23 Serie A season, Lazio are not done yet in the summer transfer market as coach Maurizio Sarri is keen on adding a left-back, and the club has taken an interest in Luca Pellegrini as an alternative to their main targets. Dimitrije Kamenovic and Riza Durmisi the only two natural left-footed wingbacks in their ranks.
The Biancocelesti are currently in talks with Chelsea outcast Emerson Palmieri over a loan deal with an option to buy next summer. The Blues are however averse to that notion and instead want to offload the Italy international on a permanent deal. That might be difficult to pull off given the different needs of both parties. Keeping that in mind, Lazio have shortlisted the Juventus fullback as a backup if things don’t work out with the Premier League outfit, as per Il Messaggero (via LazioNews24).
The 23-year-old spent his first full season in the Bianconeri colors in 2021/22, garnering 21 appearances. The prospect of regular game time might be hard to pass on for the Roma youth product, but as it turned out the previous season, coach Max Allegri has instilled some trust in the young wingback. He has a valid contract until 2025.
Pellegrini is known for his versatility – mainly due to his ability to function as a mezzala – and this is understood to be a convincing factor in Lazio and Maurizio Sarri’s decision to aim for his services. However, Emerson remains the number one target for the Biancocelesti.
Our Take on Lazio Eyeing Pellegrini
He is certainly an exciting prospect to add to Sarri’s ranks, mainly due to his functionality all over the pitch. Juventus would be losing a highly-rated talent if they opted to let him loose. However, it remains to be seen if the youngster would be interested in severing ties with boyhood club Roma in order to seal a move to eternal rivals Lazio.
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