Can Lazio Afford to Sign LaLiga Revelation? Conditions Revealed | OneFootball

Lazio are still pushing to sign Levante striker Carlos Espi, but their ability to pull off this coup remains questionable.

Lazio Searching the Market for a Striker

The Biancocelesti are currently being linked with a host of strikers, including AC Milan outcast Santiago Gimenez and Fluminense’s John Kennedy. But earlier this week, Espi emerged as a new name on Angelo Fabiani’s shortlist.

Lazio Trying to Lure Carlos Espi

The 21-year-old is a Levante youth product who has now established himself as a key figure at the club, especially following his late-season heroics. He played an instrumental role in their survival. The 194-cm centre-forward netted 11 times in his 26 LaLiga appearances last season.

According to Sky Sport Italia journalist Manuele Baiocchini (via Gianlucadimarzio.com), Lazio continue to work on recruiting Espi, but face competition from Bologna, as well as Premier League clubs. The source also mentions that the player’s €25 million release clause, while Transfermarkt estimates his value at €20 million. His contract with Levante will expire in June 2028.

Lazio Can Only Sign Espi on Loan

For his part, Alfredo Pedulla confirms that the young Spaniard represents an enticing profile for the Biancocelesti, but questions the club’s ability to secure a deal with Levante, who are seeking a transfer of circa €22 million.

The Italian journalist believes Lazio will need to come up with a creative formula, and it will most likely involve a significant loan fee with an obligation to buy tied to easily-achievable sporting objectives. Moreover, the Aquile will have to offload one of their strikers.

Which Attacker Would Lazio Sacrifice?

At this stage, Pedulla feels that Lazio cannot afford to part ways with Boulaye Dia, who might be their most natural solution for the attacking midfielder role in Gennaro Gattuso’s 4-2-3-1 system. Furthermore, Tijjani Noslin isn’t on the market at the moment, so Petar Ratkov is the most likely sacrificial lamb, even though he only joined the club in January on a €13 million deal.