In a strategic move, Lazio is reportedly accelerating its pursuit of Napoli's Piotr Zielinski as a potential replacement for Sergej Milinkovic-Savic, who is on the brink of a transfer to Saudi Arabia. The Serbian star's departure has been a topic of intense speculation, with Lazio's president, Claudio Lotito, recently confirming that Milinkovic-Savic had requested to leave after eight years with the club.
The Serbian's imminent departure has prompted Lazio to reignite their interest in Zielinski. The Polish midfielder has been in a contract standoff with Napoli, refusing to accept a reduced salary offer from the club. As a result, Napoli has effectively put Zielinski up for sale, with a reported asking price of €25 million plus €5 million in add-ons.
Lazio's valuation of Zielinski is reportedly lower, but the club is expected to have increased financial flexibility following the sale of Milinkovic-Savic. The Serbian's transfer to Al-Hilal is expected to bring in a significant windfall for Lazio, allowing them to invest in a suitable replacement.
Lotito has been candid about the situation, stating that while he tried to retain Milinkovic-Savic until the last moment, the player's desire to leave ultimately prevailed. He also hinted at the financial motivations behind the Serbian's move to Saudi Arabia, stating, "If somebody goes to Saudi Arabia, money is the driving factor."
As Lazio prepares for life after Milinkovic-Savic, the club's pursuit of Zielinski signals a clear intent to maintain a competitive squad. However, the success of this strategy will largely depend on whether they can secure Zielinski's services and how well the Polish midfielder can fill the void left by Milinkovic-Savic. As the summer transfer window continues, Lazio's moves will be closely watched by fans and pundits alike.
