Lazio are looking to sell Petar Ratkov this summer after Southampton joined Dinamo Moscow and Red Star Belgrade in showing interest in the Serbian striker.
According to Sky Sport, via TuttoMercatoWeb, all three clubs have made contact with Lazio regarding a permanent transfer for Ratkov. However, none of the potential suitors has yet persuaded the player to commit to a move.
Ratkov had hoped to remain at Formello and compete for his place under new manager Gennaro Gattuso. The 20-year-old has now accepted that the coach would prefer to recruit another forward, increasing the possibility of his departure from Lazio.
The Italian club are keen to complete a sale as soon as possible. Income from Ratkov’s transfer would allow Lazio to reinvest in other areas of the squad, including their search for an experienced replacement in attack.
Lazio’s leading target remains former Galatasaray striker Mauro Icardi, although Fiorentina could now emerge as rivals for the Argentine’s signature.
Fiorentina monitor Icardi
According to Il Messaggero, via FirenzeViola, Fiorentina are monitoring Icardi’s situation and could make a move if Moise Kean leaves the club for Como.
Kean is attracting interest from Cesc Fabregas, who is pushing to take the Italy international to Como. Fabregas is understood to be offering the forward the opportunity to play Champions League football, as well as a central role in the team’s attack.
Should Kean complete a move, Fiorentina would need to find a direct replacement. That could lead them to consider Icardi, who has been without a club since his contract with Galatasaray expired.
Lazio remain the most consistent contenders for Icardi and continue to regard him as their priority attacking target. Club president Claudio Lotito has personally taken charge of the pursuit in recent days as the Serie A side attempt to strengthen their options in front of goal.
Icardi left Galatasaray as a free agent and has so far been unwilling to make a final decision on his next club. The Argentine is waiting to establish whether a more attractive proposal could become available before entering the later stages of his career.
That hesitation means Lazio may have to improve the terms of their offer if they are to convince Icardi to move to Italy. Their plans for the summer are therefore linked to both the departure of Ratkov and their ability to secure a new forward.
For now, Southampton, Dinamo Moscow and Red Star Belgrade remain interested in Ratkov, while Fiorentina’s potential involvement adds another complication to Lazio’s pursuit of Icardi.
