Lazio Launch Bids for Chelsea & Serie A Youngsters as They Seek Second January Signing

Lazio have reportedly accelerated their attempts to land a new central midfielder, thus making offers for Cesare Casadei and Reda Belahyane.

Arijon Ibrahimovic Sealed

The Biancocelesti have already secured their maiden January signing in the shape of Arijon Ibrahimovic who arrived on loan with an option to buy from Bayern Munich. The 19-year-old is an attacking midfielder also capable of playing on the wings, but the Italian capital side still feels the need for a new arrival who can interpret a deeper role on the pitch.

Lazio Launch a Bid for Cesare Casadei

According to Il Corriere della Sera (via La Lazio Siamo Noi), the Serie A club has decided to present Chelsea with a bid for Casadei. Lazio are offering a loan with an option to buy worth €10 million in addition to a 20% sell-on fee. However, the source warns that this formula might not appease the Blues who would only accept a permanent sale or a loan that includes an obligation to buy.

The Alternative Track: Reda Belahyane

On the other hand, French newspaper L’Equipe (via La Lazio Siamo Noi) claims the Aquile have launched an offer for Belahyane who has been a revelation at Hellas Verona this season. Lazio have reportedly put €12 million on the table, as they look to seal the 20-year-old’s services on loan with an obligation hinging on certain conditions.

The Frenchman arrived at Verona 12 months ago for less than €1M, and made his Serie A debut under the tutelage of current Lazio boss Marco Baroni.

Ligue 1 Threat

The two club presidents (Claudio Lotito and Maurizio Setti) share a great rapport which could come in handy for the Biancocelesti, but the source reveals that Stade Rennais and Olympique Marseille are monitoring the situation from afar and could, at any time, decide to launch an onslaught to bring the forme OGC Nice man back to France.