Lazio Set to Make Audacious Bid for Ligue 1 Midfielder

Lazio boss Maurizio Sarri is determined to reinforce his midfield options by the end of the summer after losing Sergej Milinkovic-Savic to Al-Hilal. According to Gazzetta dello Sport, last season’s Serie A runners-up have set their sights on Marseille star Matteo Guendouzi.

Udinese’s Lazar Samardzic has recently emerged as a possible target for Lazio. However, Inter and Juventus are also in the race. It’s hard to imagine Claudio Lotito outbidding the two Italian colossi. He might have a cheaper alternative in mind.

Guendouzi has enjoyed a renaissance since swapping Arsenal for Marseille in 2021. After an initial loan, Les Olympiens triggered the buyout clause to land his services permanently for a reported £9 million. That probably means Lazio won’t need to break the bank to lure him to Rome.

Missing a crucial penalty against Panathinaikos in the Champions League qualifying has recently made Guendouzi an unpopular figure at the Stade Velodrome. Though his exploits over the past two years earned him a status as a vice-captain, the 24-year-old could be free to go.

Lazio are ready to pounce if new Marseille manager Marcelino decides to cut the Frenchman loose. With Geoffrey Kondogbia arriving from Atletico Madrid and Azzedine Ounahi finding his feet, Gundeouzi’s services may no longer be required.

However, his skills are in high demand at the Stadio Olimpico. Daichi Kamada’s signing on a free transfer isn’t enough, with Lazio facing a battle on multiple fronts. As such, Guendouzi could touch down in Serie A in the final days of the transfer window.