Gattuso Using His Bond With Former AC Milan Teammate to Sign Lazio Top Target | OneFootball

Lazio head coach Gennaro Gattuso is reportedly involved in the negotiations for Dinamo Zagreb defender Sergi Dominguez.

The Background

This saga has been dragging on for over a month now, with the Biancocelesti identifying the 21-year-old Spaniard as the ideal profile to replace the departing Mario Gila and Alessio Romagnoli at the back, despite having signed Danilho Doekhi as a free agent earlier this week.

Lazio Keen to Sign Sergi Dominguez

Last week, Lazio sporting director Angelo Fabiani made a trip to Split, but returned empty-handed. The Italians offered €3.5 million for an initial loan plus €8.5 million for the option to buy, but it fell short of Dinamo Zagreb’s original asking price of €15 million. It should be noted that the Croatian giants owe 20% of the transfer fee to Dominguez’s former employers, Barcelona.

Gennato Gattuso Capitalizing on His Old Boban Connection

According to Il Messaggero, Gattuso has entered the fray, believing his rapport with his former AC Milan teammate Zvonimir Boban could unlock the deal, as the latter currently serves as Dinamo’s president.

While the 48-year-old’s introduction could soften the Croatian giants’ stance, it remains to be seen if it will be sufficient to reach the finish line, as the two parties continue to argue over the formula.

Lazio & Dinamo Zagreb Disagree Over Dominguez Formula

At this stage, Zagreb are reportedly willing to consider an initial loan if attached with an obligation to buy. Although Lazio are open to this solution, they insist this clause should only be triggered if the club qualifies for Europe next season. On the contrary, the Croatians aren’t satisfied with this stipulation. After all, they realize that the Aquile failed to reach Europe in their two attempts.

Therefore, additional negotiations are expected to ensue in the coming days. In the meantime, Lazio are prepared to turn to Fiorentina’s Pietro Comuzzo, but once after making every possible effort to sign Dominguez, who remains their ultimate first target.