Sevilla ‘in talks’ with Lazio over Petar Ratkov loan with option to buy | OneFootball

According to Gianluca Di Marzio, Sevilla are negotiating with Lazio over a loan for Petar Ratkov that includes an option to buy, and the Serbian striker is open to playing in LaLiga.

Ratkov is viewed as a leading candidate to complement Isaac Romero and Robbie Ure in Luis García Plaza’s attack. Any move could hinge on Rubén Vargas, whose expected departure to Olympiacos would widen Sevilla’s financial margin.

Ratkov joined Lazio from RB Salzburg in January for about 13 million euros, a deal that followed Taty Castellanos’ exit. His minutes were limited under Maurizio Sarri and Gennaro Gattuso is seeking a different profile, so an exit is being considered.

The 23-year-old is understood to prefer Spain over the English Championship and is said to have turned down Southampton. Diario de Sevilla adds that Ratkov is one of several options Sevilla are weighing for the centre-forward role.

Standing at 1.93 metres, he offers aerial presence, hold-up play and the ability to link with team-mates. He can attack space and drift to the left, bringing a different skill set to Romero and Ure.

Progress is likely to depend on the Vargas situation and the pace of talks with Lazio. If funds are freed, José Ignacio Navarro could target a second striker with greater flexibility, potentially exploring a more ambitious deal before the window closes.

Source: La Colina De Nervion

“Artificial intelligence was used to assist in creating this article based on reporting from the original source quoted.”