Real Madrid enter race for Levante’s Espi as Lazio priced out | OneFootball

Real Madrid have emerged as a surprise contender for Levante striker Carlos Espí, a development that looks to have ended Lazio’s hopes of signing the young forward.

According to CalcioMercato.com, citing Fabrizio Romano, the Spanish giants have moved for Espí as they seek to replace Gonzalo García, with the young striker reportedly set to follow former coach Álvaro Arbeloa to Fulham. That has prompted José Mourinho’s side to turn their attention to the Levante man.

For Lazio, it is a familiar story of being outmuscled. Gennaro Gattuso’s side had been tracking Espí but stepped back several days ago in the face of stiff Premier League interest, and Real Madrid’s arrival pushes the deal beyond their reach.

ROME, ITALY – JULY 20: SS Lazio head coach Gennaro Gattuso reacts during the friendly match between SS Lazio and SS Lazio U20 at the Formello Sport Centre at Formello Training Center on July 20, 2026 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Marco Rosi – SS Lazio/Getty Images)

Espi clause key for Real Madrid as Gattuso & Lazio shift focus elsewhere

The appeal for Madrid is obvious. The young striker, who scored 11 goals in 25 La Liga appearances last season, plus two in two Copa del Rey outings, carries a release clause of just €25m, a figure the Spanish champions consider readily attainable.

The move is being weighed as a way of beating the English clubs to his signature.

Lazio, meanwhile, have shifted their attention elsewhere, exploring a move for Santiago Giménez, who is reportedly surplus to requirements at Milan.