Lazio are examining their options as they look to add a new midfielder to their ranks in the January transfer session.
The Background
Marco Baroni has been primarily relying on Nicolo Rovella and Matteo Guendouzi in the double pivot, while Gaetano Castrovilli, Matias Vecino and Fisayo Dele-Bashiru are the alternative options. However, the Biancocelesti has been teasing a switch to 4-3-3, which would require a sixth option.
Meeting Between Angelo Fabiani & Marco Baroni
According to Il Corriere dello Sport (via LazioNews24), Baroni recently held a meeting with Lazio sporting director Angelo Fabiani to discuss this issue. The two men agreed the club needs to sign a new midfielder, ideally one under the age of 22, as the senior squad is already saturated.
Reda Belahyane Links Persist Despite Fabiani’s Denial
Il Messaggero also reveals five candidates for the role, beginning with Hellas Verona’s Reda Belhayane who remains the first name on the shortlist, despite Fabiani’s recent denial. The 20-year-old already worked with Baroni briefly last season, and has now emerged as one of the revelations of the Serie A campaign.
The Rest of the List
The source also mentions Valentin Atangana, a 19-year-old Frenchman who’s making a name for himself at Reims, as well as Spartak Trnava’s Adrian Zeljkovic, in addition to Chelsea duo Cesare Casadei and Carney Chuckwuemeka who have been starving for playing time under Enzo Marseca this season.
Chelsea Duo Seeking Playing Time
Casadei is a 21-year-old player who was deemed one of the most talented Italian players of his generation. While he found success under Maresca at Leicester last season, the manager has been snubbing him this term, as he’s spoilt for choice at Stamford Bridge. The same applies to Chuckwuemeka, who only made appearances in the Carabao Cup and Conference League this season.