Lazar Samardzic has been on a steady rise since joining Udinese, and Napoli and Milan are attentively following his growth. The Partenopei missed out on two young targets for their midfield in January, Ivan Ilic and Azzedine Ounahi, and they want to avoid the trifecta, La Repubblica reports.
The Rossoneri have been in touch with his agents to explore the deal. The Friulani paid just €3M to acquire him from RB Leipzig in 2021. His price tag has skyrocketed afterward. He has logged 4 goals and 2 assists in 23 appearances across all competitions this season.
Despite their interest, Samardzic figures to be a complicated target for Milan and Napoli. The Bianconeri have already set a €30M price tag for the starlet. The Azzurri have been eyeing him basically ever since he moved to Italy.
The 20-year-old only recently secured a starting role in Friuli, as he has mostly been used off the bench in the past season and a half. He has hit the net 6 times and set up 5 teammates in 47 total matches with his current club.
Our Take on Samardzic, Milan, and Napoli
If that’s his valuation, chances are he will move abroad. Another campaign with Udinese wouldn’t hurt him, as he needs more seasoning since he still runs a little hot and cold. He would make sense for Milan only if they couldn’t keep Brahim Diaz, as he’d be a no.10 for them.
As for the Azzurri, such acquisition would be more likely and logical if they cashed in on Piotr Zielinski, whose contract runs out in 2024. At that point, they would promote Elijf Elmas and have the newcomer ease his way into the rotation. It’d be ideal for him too.
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