Lazio Market Blocked as Unwanted Forward Rejects Southampton

Lazio are unable to add a new striker to their ranks, as Petar Ratkov has turned down the opportunity to join Southampton.

The Background

The Biancocelesti need to buy a new centre-forward capable of boosting their meager attacking numbers from last season (41 goals in 38 Serie A games). However, the club has been restricted to a net-zero transfer campaign, so they can only generate funds for new arrivals through fresh sales.

Therefore, Lazio have been hoping to offload Ratkov, whom Gennaro Gattuso considered inapt to his tactical ideas, despite his pre-season goalscoring exploits. The head coach explained that he prefers a more mobile striker to lead the line.

Petar Ratkov Turns Down Southampton

Last week, Dynamo Moscow launched an onslaught for the Serbian forward, offering €15 million. But according to Italian journalist Alfredo Pedulla, Ratkov had already turned down the Russian offer, and has now rejected an offer from Southampton, who were also determined to bring him to St. Mary’s Stadium.

This is painful a blow for Lazio, who were hoping to cash in on the 22-year-old who arrived in January as a replacement for Taty Castellanos, but has yet to score for the club in a competitive fixture.

Lazio Must Offload Ratkov to Sign a New Striker

Pedulla adds that the Aquile are planning to replace Ratkov with either Lorenzo Lucca or Andrea Pinamonti. Both strikers are represented by Giuseppe Riso, Davide Frattesi’s agent. So while the Inter Milan midfielder is on the verge of signing for Lazio, the club is still hopeful of adding another of Riso’s clients to their ranks.

Mauro Icardi Also on the Shortlist?

On the other hand, Sky Sport Italia reported on Wednesday night that the Italian capital side has opened a dialogue with Mauro Icardi and his entourage. The 33-year-old Argentine has been be a free agent since leaving Galatasaray at the end of the previous campaign.