The 2023 summer transfer window is well and truly underway and a host of exciting deals are taking place across European football so we are taking you through the top five Lazio transfer targets this summer.
Star playmaker Luis Alberto has recently signed a new deal to stay in the Italian capital which is huge news for the Biancocelesti. However, fellow key midfielder Sergej Milinkovic-Savic continues to be linked with a move away from the Stadio Olimpico, as he is every summer. Perhaps this time may be for real, though, due to the expiry of his contract next summer and Juventus appear to be frontrunners for the time being.
With that in mind, Lazio must prepare a list of targets if they need to replace Milinkovic-Savic, as well as bring in some additions to improve the squad in hopes of being able to challenge for the Scudetto and compete in the Champions League next term. Below we analyze the top five Lazio transfer targets this summer.
Top Five 2023 Lazio Transfer Targets
5. Andre Silva (RB Leipzig)
After an outrageous campaign with Eintracht Frankfurt during the 2020/21 season, where Andre Silva scored 28 Bundesliga goals in just 32 appearances, the Portugal international has failed to deliver since moving across Germany to RB Leipzig. As a result, Silva could be in line for a move back to Italy. Having previously played for Milan, the 27-year-old has experience of playing in Serie A and, now with some experience playing abroad, he could prosper back in the Italian top flight.
With star forward Ciro Immobile now 33-years-old and coming off his worst campaign since signing for Lazio, the Biancocelesti are looking to bolster their forward options. Sky Italia have reported that the club are interested in bringing Silva to Rome and it would take between €15-18 million to secure his services. Club president Claudio Lotito is currently weighing up the decision to sign Silva since they are also interested in Santos’ Marcos Leonardo and Torino’s Antonio Sanabria.
4. Samuele Ricci (Torino)
There have been many reports linking a host of Serie A clubs with Samuele Ricci this summer. According to Calciomercato, Lazio are looking at the 21-year-old prospect to add some extra bodies in the middle of the park and have made contact with his representatives to discuss a potential move.
Sky Italia have also reported that the Biancocelesti are interested in signing the Granata midfielder but believe it would take a significant fee to sign him. That is because Torino do not want to sell their starlet, who they initially signed on loan in January 2022 before paying €8.5 million to sign him on a permanent deal.
Il Mattino have stated that Napoli are interested in bringing Ricci to the Diego Maradona Stadium as they are searching for new signings in midfield after losing Tanguy Ndombele and with the exit of Diego Demme on the horizon.
3. Marcos Leonardo (Santos)
La Gazzetta dello Sport believe that Leonardo is on the verge of signing for the Biancocelesti and that negotiations are now at the final stages. Despite a number of names being linked to add more depth to their forward line, it seems as though the 20-year-old Brazilian will be heading to the Olimpico.
The deal is said to be around €12 million, plus bonuses, and will also include a future sell-on clause. The finer details are still yet to be agreed but it looks as though Lazio have got their man up top. Due to the forward’s age, the transfer can be seen as a long-term investment for the club, as well as providing immediate cover for Immobile.
Gianluca Di Marzio has also reported Lazio’s interest in the player, while New York City FC’s Taty Castellanos is also an option. Nicolo Schira believes that a deal is close between Lazio and Santos for Leonardo and that personal terms have been agreed.
2. Domenico Berardi (Sassuolo)
An addition out wide is a focus for Lazio this summer and Sassuolo’s Domenico Berardi is of interest for the capital club. Coach Maurizio Sarri wants to bring the 28-year-old to the club but the demands required to secure his services appear a little too high.
Calciomercato reported Lazio’s interest in Berardi back in May as they sought to improve their squad in light of their qualification for Champions League football next term. Nonetheless, recent reports have stated that it seems unlikely that the Biancocelesti will be able to sign the Neroverdi man due to his high price tag.
According to Lazio owner and president Claudio Lotito, as quoted by Il Messaggero (via Mediaset), Sassuolo would want in excess of €30 million to allow Berardi to leave the club which would be too costly, especially since the winger is heading towards the age of 30 and would demand expensive wages. Wilfried Zaha is an alternative and looks to be a more viable option.
1. Wilfried Zaha (Crystal Palace)
Talk of Zaha leaving Selhurst Park is common practice and occurs most summers. However, now that his contract has expired with Crystal Palace, 2023 appears to the be the year he will finally leave London. FootballTransfers believe that the Ivory Coast international is favored towards heading to Serie A to join Lazio, especially due to the attraction of playing Champions League football next season.
It is believed that Zaha has already agreed personal terms with the Biancocelesti but that he also has deals in place with Saudi Pro League side Al-Nassr, Fenerbahce and former club Crystal Palace. The thought is that Zaha wants to remain in a top European League, however, and Lazio are admirers of the player due to his international experience.
Italian media are also reporting that Lazio are closing in on securing Zaha’s signature. According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, Sarri is not far away from acquiring the 30-year-old winger and that the club are now in pole position to sign him. However, negotiations are yet to be completed and there is still some way to go before they are able to secure the deal.