Following the close of the summer transfer window, Lazio is actively evaluating unattached players to fill open roster spots.
Lazio is keeping its options open on the free-agent market despite the closure of the summer transfer window in Italy on Tuesday evening, leaving roster flexibility for potential unattached additions.
Open Squad Spots and Director Strategy
The Roman club left two open slots in its official Serie A squad list following the omission of Patric and Luca Pellegrini. On Thursday, Lazio sporting director Angelo Fabiani admitted that Patric and Luca Pellegrini were left out of the Serie A squad list to make room for potential new arrivals, raising speculation over the identities of the club’s targets.
This deliberate flexibility allows the club to scout veterans currently without a club.
Mauro Icardi Under Consideration Despite Gattuso’s Reservations
Former Inter striker Mauro Icardi has emerged as a primary name on the club’s shortlist. According to Il Messaggero (via La Lazio Siamo Noi), the Italian capital club is tracking three experienced players for three different departments. Icardi remains unattached after leaving Galatasaray, and his agent has already confirmed talks with Lazio’s Fabiani. The Argentine striker is said to be biding his time to reflect on his options, as he plans to make the best ‘lifestyle’ choice. While club president Claudio Lotito remains intrigued by the possibility of signing Icardi, head coach Gennaro Gattuso holds a different view.
Gattuso is considerably less enthusiastic about the move. Gattuso originally requested a more mobile central striker to fit his system, prompting the late summer arrival of Andrea Pinamonti, and views Icardi as a low-priority option while focusing on getting Pinamonti fully match-fit. Lazio have already signed a new striker in the form of Andrea Pinamonti, but they offloaded three: Petar Ratkov, Boulaye Dia, and Gabriele Artistico. Therefore, many feel Gennaro Gattuso needs another centre-forward at his disposal, or he’ll have to rely on the versatile Tijjani Noslin and Albert Gudmundsson.
Defensive and Midfield Targets: David Alaba and Marcelo Brozovic
Beyond the forward position, Lazio is exploring reinforcements for the defensive and midfield departments. After selling Alessio Romagnoli to Al-Sadd, Lazio could do with another defender, especially with the injured Patric considered indefinitely unavailable. The Roman newspaper thus reveals interest in Alaba, who left Real Madrid after five years of service.
The Austria captain is a left-footed defender capable of filling various roles, so he would be an important addition to the squad. Yet, the source admits that signing the 34-year-old remains a complicated task, not to mention the player’s woeful injury record in recent years.
Finally, Lazio are reportedly contemplating a move for Marcelo Brozovic. The Croatian spent eight years at Inter Milan, cementing himself as arguably the best deep-lying playmaker at the end of his run. He then signed for Al-Nassr in 2023. After three years in the Saudi Pro League, the 33-year-old is ready to return to Europe. The Biancocelesti already have a reliable Regista in Nicolò Rovella, but his recurring injuries are causing concern among the Laziali.
Yves Bissouma Emerges Amid Midfield Injuries
In addition to Brozovic, former Tottenham Hotspur and Brighton midfielder Yves Bissouma has also emerged as a potential target to bolster the club’s options following recent injuries in the middle of the park.
Despite having the open squad spots available, the Roman club are in no rush to make immediate additions and will take time to assess whether to activate either option.
