Gattuso Gives Lazio Green Light to Sign Brighton Defender, but Prefers Spanish Duo | OneFootball

Gennaro Gattuso is willing to welcome Brighton centre-back Diego Coppola to Lazio, although he’s not his favorite target.

Lazio Need Defensive Reinforcement

The Biancocelesti will soon part ways with Alessio Romagnoli, who should join Al-Sadd in the coming days or weeks, while Napoli are hellbent on buying Mario Gila. Therefore, Claudio Lotito and Angelo Fabiani are searching the market for one or two new defenders.

In recent weeks, several names have been mentioned as potential targets for the Italian capital side, including Coppola, a 22-year-old defender who had his breakthrough at Hellas Verona, earning himself an €11 million transfer to Brighton last summer. However, the Italian international struggled for playing time in England, so he spent the second half of the season at Paris FC.

Diego Cappola Isn’t Gattuso’ Priority Signing

According to Il Messaggero, Gattuso has given the green light for Lazio to pursue Coppola, whom he had already called up for national duty during his Azzurri tenure. But as the Roman newspaper explains, the Brighton wantaway isn’t the manager’s preferred profile. He would rather bring in either Sergi Dominguez or Arnau Martinez.

Sergi Dominguez

Dominguez is a 21-year-old Spanish defender who rose through Barcelona’s ranks, before moving to Dinamo Zagreb last summer in search of playing time. The youngster immediately established himself as a key player for the Croatian giants, helping them win the domestic double in his first campaign. Dinamo’s asking price is said to be €12-13 million.

Arnau Martinez

As for Martinez, he’s a 23-year-old right-back who is also capable of playing at the heart of the backline. The Spaniard still has one year left on his contract with Girona, who suffered relegation to the second division on the final day of the season.

The player’s contract includes an €8 million release clause, but Lazio cannot trigger it before raising fresh funds, as they’re forced to operate on a net-zero balance this summer.