How West Ham Can Help Lazio Sign Giacomo Raspadori in January | OneFootball

Lazio have identified Atletico Madrid benchwarmer Giacomo Raspadori as their ultimate January dream, but funding the operation amidst their challenging financial situation won’t be easy.

Lazio Keen to Land Giacomo Raspadori

Maurizio Sarri believes the former Napoli star is the ideal striker for his system thanks to his slick movement and remarkable versatility. Moreover, the 25-year-old is keen to return to Italy, as his lack of playing time in Diego Simeone’s team could hamper his chances with the national team ahead of March’s playoffs and potentially in the World Cup, if Italy were to qualify.

Giacomo Raspadori (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)

According to Il Messaggero, Lazio will most likely have to operate within ‘zero cost’ parameters in January, meaning they would only be able to sign players by selling others. They also have to register circa €25-30 million in capital gains before March 31 to avoid another transfer ban ahead of next summer, as the cost-to-revenue measure will drop from 80% to 70% next season.

Taty Castellanos Wanted at West Ham

The source believes that Lazio are hoping to cash in on Taty Castellanos, whose departure would make way for Raspadori’s arrival. The Roman newspaper claims that West Ham are preparing to make a move for the 27-year-old in January, although he’s not the only striker on their shortlist. The Hammers are also keeping tabs on struggling Milan centre-forward Santiago Gimenez.

The report claims that Castellanos would be willing to leave Lazio, as he hasn’t been enjoying his football under Sarri, even though he remains his first-choice striker.

Can Lazio Afford Raspadori?

The source insists Raspadori’s move would be feasible in this case, as Lazio would be able to afford his salary (€3m per year), having already registered a €1.2 million saving from selling Loum Tchaouna and Nicolo Casale in the summer, while Taty’s departure would free another €2.2 million on the wage bill.

The Tijjani Noslin Option

The alternative plan for Lazio would be to sell Tijjani Noslin rather than Castellanos. But in this case, they would only be able to afford Raspadori on loan, and it remains unclear if Atletico Madrid would be open to this formula.