Lazio Pondering Four Options to Replace Guendouzi, Including AC Milan Swap Deal | OneFootball

Lazio have agreed to sell Matteo Guendouzi to Fenerbahce, and they’re now searching the market for a replacement.

The Background

The Biancocelesti accepted an offer worth €28m plus €2m, so the French midfielder is expected to leave towards Istanbul in the coming days. The 26-year-old will remain at Maurizio Sarri’s disposal for Wednesday’s clash against Fiorentina, and perhaps for the weekend’s trip to Verona.

Either way, Angelo Fabiani will be hoping to fill this vacancy as soon as possible so he doesn’t leave the coach short-handed.

Lazio Consider Signing Giovanni Fabbian to Replace Matteo Guendouzi

As reported in recent hours, Lazio have already secured the services of RB Salzburg’s striker Petar Ratkov, who will replace Taty Castellanos, and they’re also negotiating deals for Atalanta’s Daniel Maldini and Bologna’s Giovanni Fabbian. The latter would fill the vacancy left by Guendouzi in the middle of the park.

Maurizio Sarri Still Keen on Ruben Loftus-Cheek

According to Il Messaggero, Lazio will also launch an attempt to land AC Milan’s Ruben Loftus-Cheek, who remains Sarri’s ideal choice for the role. The 29-year-old enjoyed one of the best seasons of his career while serving under ‘the Commander’ at Chelsea in 2018/19, and both men are said to be enticed by the possibility of a reunion.

Mario Gila The Key to Unlock Loftus-Cheek?

Interestingly, the Roman newspaper claims that Lazio could even offer the services of Mario Gila in exchange for Loftus-Cheek. The 25-year-old Spaniard has been a stalwart at the back for the Biancocelesti over the past few years, but his contract is set to expire in June 2027, and Lazio’s management fears he could run down his contract before leaving as a free agent in 18 months.

Mario Gila Has Several Top Suitors

Gila has been heavily linked with Milan in recent weeks, with Igli Tare said to be keen to sign him once more, having brought him to Formello in 2022. The defender is also a target for Inter Milan, while his former employers, Real Madrid, have the opportunity to sign him on a cut-price deal, thanks to a 50% sell-on that would transform to a discount.

Lazar Samardzic & Kenneth Taylor Also on Lazio’s Shortlist

In addition to Fabbian and Loftus-Cheek, the Biancocelesti are also monitoring Lazar Samardzic, who is finding limited space at Atalanta, and is also a profile that Sarri appreciates. Finally, the source mentions a fourth option in Kenneth Taylor, a 23-year-old Dutch midfielder who plays for Ajax, and whose contract will expire in June 2027.