Southampton handed boost in race to sign 23-year-old attacker | OneFootball

Southampton's chances of signing Lazio striker Petar Ratkov this summer have increased after recent events

Southampton target Petar Ratkov looks increasingly likely to leave Lazio this summer after less than a year in the Italian capital, as recent updates have provided the Saints with an almighty boost in their pursuit of the Serbian international.

Lazio striker Ratkov was intent on remaining in Rome beyond this summer window, but, according to Italian publication TUTTOmercato, has increasingly grown open to the idea of a departure, with Southampton closely monitoring the situation.

Southampton face competition from both Dinamo Moscow and Crvena zvezda for the 23-year-old's signature, but will be confident of pipping Russian and Serbian competition to the post.

Southampton could land a deal for Lazio striker Petar Ratkov following recent news

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Ratkov, 23, came through the ranks of Serbian outfit TSC Backla Topola, impressing in his native country and earning a move to the talent factory that is RB Salzburg, the same club that has helped to develop the likes of Erling Haaland, Benjamin Sesko, and Sadio Mané over the years.

The striker would make 99 appearances across all competitions during his spell with the Austrian outfit, scoring 22 and assisting 15, earning a move to Lazio in January 2026 for around €13 million (£11.1 million) with add-ons.

However, Ratkov has struggled since his switch to Rome, making just nine appearances for Lazio with a direct goal contribution, with an early exit looking increasingly likely.

The Serbian had initially turned down a move to Hampshire earlier on in the window to stay and fight for his place, but it has become obvious that he will play no part under Gennaro Gattuso this campaign, and has now opened the door for a move to Southampton.

Lazio are looking to sell, so whether Southampton will be willing to cough up what would likely be an eight-figure sum for the Serbian remains to be seen, but the window of opportunity has indeed opened for the Saints.

Why do Southampton want Petar Ratkov?

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Despite his struggles since moving to Italy, there is every reason to believe that Ratkov can still be a success, with time very much on his side.

The Serie A may have been a step too soon for the Serbian, and whilst the Championship is by no means a walk in the park, he has the potential to thrive at this level, possessing all the physical attributes required of a centre-forward in the English second tier.

He will have to battle both Cyle Larin and Divin Mubama for a place up top under Tonda Eckert, with the pair having both signed for the club this summer.

Lewis Dobbin, who has also arrived in the past couple of months, can also provide another option up top, but with each of Ben Brereton Diaz, Cameron Archer, and Damion Downs expected to leave before the deadline, more options in the final third will be a necessity for the Saints.

How have Southampton fans reacted to the recent Petar Ratkov update?

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Southampton fans have taken to social media to react to the update, and share their thoughts on the situation.

With Larin and Mubama being Southampton's only nailed-on centre-forward options at the moment, calls for more competition has been made by this Saints supporter, with that player being Ratkov.

Indeed, Ratkov has limited experience of playing in a top-five European league, and his goal record at Lazio is far from convincing, but having over a century of professional appearances under his belt at 23, he could be worth the gamble.

With Archer and Brereton Diaz likely on their way out, this Saints supporter believes that Ratkov would be an ideal replacement for them.