Lazio and Verona already had a meeting earlier this month to set up some summer deals. Their president Maurizio Setti confirmed that the Biancocelesti are keen on Nicolò Casale.
“He is being pursued by multiple clubs and they had expressed interest in January. He is a great prospect and might join them. However, it would be better if they moved before we started our pre-season camp.”
The chairman talked to Radio Sei.
“We will see what happens, but we are confident Casale could do well in bigger teams. A Rome derby could be in the cards for him. A few teams are eyeing him, not just those two. The deals need more time to develop. We will be transparent with everybody.”
The Verona owner was quizzed about further potential Lazio targets Giovanni Simeone and Ivan Ilic.
“I do not think we will sell all our best players to them, otherwise Claudio Lotito would have to spend too much money and that would anger him. We do not have any preclusion, but it is a matter of plans. If they continue with Maurizio Sarri, they need to make certain type of operations.”
Setti anticipates doing business with the Biancocelesti but on his own terms.
“I think that are very good chances Verona and Lazio will complete a deal, or maybe even two. We are not looking to get any of their players in return, as their wages are too high for us. Ilic could play as a deep-lying playmaker in a three-man midfield. In any case, he is pricey.”
The executive explained why Igor Tudor did not stay.
“Everybody has to be on the same page. Our director decided to leave to take a step forward and I helped him. The coach was not 100 percent convinced of our projects.”