Lazio, Castellanos closer than ever to exit: Sarri wants a Mertens-style striker: the names

SS Lazio’s January transfer window risks being driven more by intentions than by concrete moves. The strategy is clear and comes straight from president Claudio Lotito: sell first, then potentially reinvest. For now, that approach points towards a near break-even window, unless firm offers arrive. Today’s Corriere dello Sport takes stock of the situation.

There are two main candidates to leave. The first is Taty Castellanos, who has attracted reported interest from Flamengo, though that has yet to materialise into a formal bid. Lazio’s asking price remains high, around €35m, a figure that makes any deal – particularly with South American clubs – difficult to pull off. The other name is Nuno Tavares. Al Ittihad have shown interest, but so far only at player level. To convince Lotito, at least €15m would be required, also factoring in the 35 per cent sell-on clause owed to Arsenal.

From a tactical perspective, it is no secret that Castellanos and Maurizio Sarri have never truly clicked. The coach continues to envision a more mobile centre-forward, in the mould of Dries Mertens. Targets such as Giacomo Raspadori or Ruben Loftus-Cheek, however, are currently out of reach financially. Over the summer, the dream signing was Mikel Oyarzabal of Real Sociedad, valued at over €40m.

For now, the alternatives remain speculative. Lorenzo Insigne is waiting for a signal, while sporting director Angelo Fabiani is pushing for Daniel Maldini of Atalanta. But without departures, everything remains on hold.