Gattuso ‘to make’ Mandas first choice as Lazio await Bournemouth call | OneFootball

Gennaro Gattuso has reportedly identified Christos Mandas as his first-choice goalkeeper at Lazio, with Bournemouth yet to decide on a purchase option.

According to Il Messaggero, the Cherries have until 15 June to trigger an €18 million clause after attempts to renegotiate were rejected by Lazio, making a return to Rome likelier.

Mandas, 24, joined in summer 2023 and impressed late in his debut season while Ivan Provedel was injured. In his second campaign he overtook Provedel to become Marco Baroni’s pick for the run-in.

Provedel regained the shirt when Maurizio Sarri returned last summer. After only one appearance in the first half of the season, Mandas moved to Bournemouth on loan for €2.5 million in January but did not feature as Andoni Iraola stuck with Djordje Petrovic.

Gattuso is said to have spoken with Mandas and offered him the first-choice role if he stays. Edoardo Motta, who impressed while Provedel was sidelined, is expected to continue as understudy.

Mandas’ position is linked to Provedel’s, with neither content to be back-up. The 32-year-old Italian is expected to depart, with Inter Milan seen as the leading destination.

Inter have moved on from Yann Sommer and installed Josep Martinez as their first choice, and want an experienced deputy. Lazio are seeking €5 million for Provedel, though with one year left on his deal Inter might resist that price, while Bologna and Fiorentina also hold interest.

Source: The Laziali