Lazio’s New Midfielder: Samardzic Stock on the Rise, Inter & AC Milan Star Unlikely to Join | OneFootball

Lazio are keen to sign a new midfielder in January, and Atalanta’s Lazar Samardzic could be the best available solution.

The Background

Last summer, Maurizio Sarri requested the arrival of a new box-to-box midfielder capable of contributing with goals and assists. However, COVISOC banned the Biancocelesti from signing any new players, much to the returning manager’s dismay. The 66-year-old has been trying to make the most of the players at his disposal, but he’s expecting the hierarchy to back him in January after lifting the ban.

Lazio Eyeing a Move for Lazar Samardzic

Italian journalist Alfredo Pedullà reflected on Lazio’s main options for the role, beginning with Samardzic, who hasn’t been able to lock himself a starting role since his arrival at Atalanta. The Serbian’s minutes further decreased following the appointment of Raffaele Palladino, who replaced Ivan Juric.

Maurizio Sarri a Longtime Admirer of Samardzic

The transfer market expert also recalls how Sarri had requested the signing of the former Udinese star during his first managerial tenure at Lazio.

But while the Serbian could be an opportunity for the Biancocelesti, he also has other suitors, including Olympique Marseille, who had already pursued him last summer. Moreover, Atalanta won’t relinquish the player’s services unless they receive a satisfying offer.

Lazio Cannot Afford Ruben Loftus-Cheek

Therefore, recruiting Samardzic could be an uphill task. However, he remains a more plausible target compared to Sarri’s former Chelsea pupil, Ruben Loftus-Cheek. The Englishman is reportedly open to making the move. However, he currently earns €5 million at AC Milan, a figure that Lazio cannot afford.

Ruben Loftus Cheek (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

Moreover, Pedullà talks about some issues between the Aquile’s hierarchy and the Rossoneri, potentially hinting at a frosty relationship between Claudio Lotito and Lazio’s former sporting director, Igli Tare, who joined Milan last summer.

Piotr Zielinski Takes Himself Off the Market

As for Piotr Zielinski, he could have been an opportunity for Lazio a month ago, reckons Pedullà, but he has now established himself as an almost regular starter at Inter Milan. Thus, the Pole is no longer considering an exit, not even for a reunion with his old mentor, Sarri.

Cesare Casadei No Longer an Enticing Option for Lazio

Finally, the transfer market expert rules out a move for Cesare Casedei, the midfielder whom Lazio vigorously chased last January before losing the tug-of-war against Torino. However, the former Chelsea player hasn’t covered himself in glory since joining the Granata, and the Biancocelesti aren’t too keen on making a new offer for a player who famously snubbed them a year ago.