Lazio are close to completing a deal for Inter midfielder Davide Frattesi after reports in Italy indicated that the clubs have agreed the broad financial terms and structure of the transfer.
According to Fabrizio Romano and several other Italian sources, Lazio submitted an improved proposal on Wednesday morning worth €15m in total. The package is understood to consist of a loan fee followed by an obligation to make the move permanent.
The remaining issue is reportedly the condition that would trigger Lazio’s compulsory purchase of Frattesi. The clubs are yet to settle whether the obligation will be linked to a particular number of appearances, Lazio’s final position in Serie A, or another sporting requirement.
Inter are also expected to retain a significant percentage of any future transfer fee for Frattesi. That share is believed to be between 15% and 20%, although the exact figure has not been confirmed.
Lazio’s prospects of qualifying for European competition this season appear limited. As a result, a European place is considered an unlikely condition for the deal to become permanent. Instead, the obligation may be activated if Frattesi reaches an agreed number of appearances during the campaign, or if Lazio finish in a specified position in the league table.
The proposed move comes during a turbulent period for Lazio. The club have faced increasing protests away from the pitch directed at owner Claudio Lotito, whose leadership has become deeply unpopular among supporters.
Lazio were also subject to a transfer ban last summer. Their activity this summer has been restricted to operating on a net balance, leaving the club unable to spend more than it raises through player sales.
There has also been a change in the dugout. Maurizio Sarri has left Lazio and was replaced by former Azzurri head coach Gennaro Gattuso.
A fee of €15m for Frattesi would be viewed by many as a particularly low figure, given the midfielder’s status and previous performances. Supporters discussing the proposed deal questioned why he had not been given a more sustained opportunity at Inter.
One comment said: “That would be amazing… I never understood why Inzaghi never gave him a proper chance. And when Chivu ignored him as well I was stunned. When on pitch he often make more work for his team than Barella.”
Another supporter took a more cautious view, writing: “low I think he’s good but most players are over priced”.
A further comment suggested Inter may have missed an earlier opportunity to secure a larger fee: “Inter should have sold him a year ago when he was still scoring”.
Frattesi’s reported move would therefore give Lazio the chance to add an established Inter midfielder without paying the full transfer fee immediately. However, the final details of the purchase obligation remain to be agreed before the deal can be considered complete.
