Lazio ‘to move for’ Levante striker Carlos Espi | OneFootball

Gianluca Di Marzio reports that Lazio are interested in Levante striker Carlos Espi and could move for him, though no talks have begun with the Spanish club.

New head coach Gennaro Gattuso has made signing a centre-forward a priority after last season’s blunt attack. Targets have included Roberto Piccoli, Andrea Pinamonti and John Kennedy, but no deals have been struck.

Espi, 20, came through Levante’s academy and was promoted in 2024 when they were in the second tier. Last season the Valencians struggled in LaLiga until his late surge, as he scored six goals in four matches to help secure 16th place.

He finished with 11 in 25 league appearances. Transfermarkt estimates his value has risen from €2.5 million to €20 million in the past four months. The 194 cm striker is under contract until June 2028, with a €25 million release clause.

Bologna and Premier League clubs are also tracking him. Whether Lazio can afford the deal is unclear given a net-zero transfer market, and it remains to be seen if Angelo Fabiani can devise a creative formula.

Source: The Laziali