Juventus & Napoli Preparing Offers for Out-of-Contract Lazio Stalwart | OneFootball

Juventus and Napoli are reportedly interested in Adam Marusic, whose contract with Lazio will expire at the end of the season.

The Background

Having joined the club in the summer of 2017, the Montenegrin is the Aquile’s third-longest serving player in the current roster, behind Danilo Cataldi and Patric. He also remains an automatic starter for Maurizio Sarri, while Nuno Tavares, Luca Pellegrini and Manuel Lazzari vie for the other full-back slot. However, the 33-year-old’s future remains shrouded in mystery.

Lazio & Adam Marusic Could Part Ways in June

According to Il Corriere dello Sport, Marusic has asked for a two-year contract extension plus an option for a third year. Moreover, the player has reportedly increased his salary request compared to last June when negotiations fell through. This is possibly due to him re-establishing himself as a key player in the starting lineup.

Juventus & Napoli Eyeing a Move for Marusic

While it remains to be seen if Claudio Lotito and Angelo Fabiani will oblige, the Roman newspaper reveals that the full-back now has more leverage in the negotiations thanks to Juventus and Napoli, who are monitoring the situation closely.

Adam Marusic (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)

The two Serie A giants have reportedly enquired about his services, and are willing to offer him a pre-contract next year, before signing him as a free agent in the summer.

Why Losing Marusic Would Be a Painful Blow for Lazio & Maurizio Sarri

As the report points out, Sarri has often reiterated his desire to lay the foundation for next season by forming a core of seven or eight players that are both suitable and competent enough for the project. Therefore, losing Marsusic would be a blow in this regard, especially considering that the current alternatives are Manuel Lazzari and Elseid Hysaj.

The Montenegrin’s departure would also have financial repercussions, as Lazio might have to spend circa €15-20 million on a replacement.