Ivanović ‘to decide’ between Lazio and Lens after Benfica deal agreed | OneFootball

Lazio have pushed ahead in the race for Franjo Ivanović after agreeing a deal with Benfica for a loan with an option to buy, though the final decision lies with the player. Corriere dello Sport reports that his choice is between Lazio and Lens.

The Biancocelesti moved quickly for a forward long on Gennaro Gattuso’s wishlist, alongside Milan’s Santiago Giménez. Benfica are open to the Lotito-favoured formula, an initial loan with an option that would become an obligation if set conditions, likely European qualification, are met.

Ivanović signalled approval days ago and optimism at Formello rose after fresh talks. Lens have also built the basis of an agreement with Benfica, while Real Betis interest, which could offer Champions League football, appears to have cooled.

Lazio believe they hold a decisive advantage, having won the player’s preference.

The striker joined Benfica last summer from Union Saint-Gilloise for around €23m after scoring 21 goals in 47 games, but he struggled for minutes in Lisbon and is now considered expendable. The Serie A side see both his profile and potential to relaunch.

His arrival would shape other business. Petar Ratkov, the subject of a bid worth more than €15m from Dinamo Moscow, is not viewed as ready to lead the line alone, and a loan for Ivanović would allow Lazio, working with a budget of around nine million euros for two signings, to focus remaining funds on a new centre-back.

Source: Football Italia

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