Both with contracts expiring in 2024, but with wages above Lazio’s parameters, Lotito is still trying for both Zielinski from Napoli and Loftus-Cheek from Chelsea.
Two names have emerged for Lazio’s new midfield if Milinkovic departs. Juventus has rekindled their interest in the Serbian midfielder, prompting the Rome-based club to explore potential replacements.
They are aware that they have a significant budget at their disposal. The attention of Lazio’s executives is focused on two players. Both individuals are well-known to Maurizio Sarri as he has coached them at different times.
The first is Polish midfielder Piotr Zielinski from Napoli, while the second is English midfielder Ruben Loftus-Cheek from Chelsea. Both players have contracts expiring in a year, which makes their acquisition costs reasonable, ranging from €15 million to €20 million.
However, resolving their wage demands, which are on the edge of Lazio’s parameters, would be a challenge in both cases.
Sarri first introduced Zielinski at Empoli and then established him at Napoli. If he were to coach him at Lazio as well, it would be a sort of full circle. But more importantly, it would be one of the best ways to replace Milinkovic.
In fact, the coach has asked Lotito to try to sign the Polish player regardless, even if Milinkovic doesn’t leave. However, it is unlikely that the latter scenario will occur. In the event that the Serbian midfielder does depart, Zielinski’s name would immediately become relevant for Lazio.
Zielinski’s contract with Napoli expires in a year, and he has not yet renewed it, although he is in talks with the club. However, Napoli has already informed him that they do not intend to maintain his current salary of €3.5 million.
Napoli values him at around €20 million, but the price could potentially decrease slightly. As for his salary, Zielinski would like to continue earning the same amount as he does currently.
CRAZY IDEA: LOFTUS-CHEEK—The issue of wages presents an almost insurmountable hurdle for Loftus-Cheek, even though he is attracted to the idea of working with Sarri again, as they were together at Chelsea during the 2018-19 season.
The Englishman currently earns around €4.5 million, a figure that no player at Lazio receives, not even the most important ones. Therefore, a special arrangement would need to be found, such as signing a long-term contract that allows the player to “recoup” the lost wages over time.
However, the London club has no intention of considering a loan. Chelsea only accepts a permanent sale of the player for a fee ranging from €15 million to €18 million. Nevertheless, Lazio will attempt to explore the possibility of acquiring the Englishman.
