Headline: Lazio Explores Options for Striker Ratkov Amid Interest from Multiple Clubs
Lazio is in discussions to offload Serbian striker Petar Ratkov this summer as his position at the club appears uncertain. Reports from Sky Sport indicate that both Dinamo Moscow and Southampton have initiated talks regarding a permanent transfer for the player, with Red Star Belgrade also expressing interest.
Ratkov had originally aimed to secure a spot under head coach Gennaro Gattuso at Formello but has come to realize that the coach prefers alternative options for the forward position. Consequently, he is now open to a potential move. As of now, none of the three clubs have managed to persuade Ratkov to commit, and Lazio is eager to finalize a sale in order to reinvest the funds into strengthening other areas of the squad.
Additionally, the search for a new forward at Lazio goes beyond Ratkov’s potential exit. Free agent Mauro Icardi has emerged as a top target but is facing unexpected competition from Fiorentina. According to Il Messaggero, the Tuscan side is keeping tabs on Icardi, who has been without a club since his contract with Galatasaray expired. Fiorentina may look to sign Icardi should they sell Moise Kean to Como.
Cesc Fabregas is reportedly advocating for Kean’s move, which could open the door for Fiorentina to seek a replacement like Icardi. Despite the growing interest from Fiorentina, Lazio remains the most consistent contender for Icardi’s signature, with club president Claudio Lotito actively pursuing the signing in recent days. Icardi, hesitant to commit at this stage, appears to be awaiting a more lucrative offer before making a decision on his career’s next phase.
Lazio are working to offload Petar Ratkov this summer, with a third club now interested in the Serbian striker as his future at the club looks increasingly shaky.
According to Sky Sport, via TuttoMercatoWeb, Dinamo Moscow and Southampton have both made contact over a permanent deal, and they’ve now been joined by Red Star Belgrade.
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Ratkov had hoped to fight for his place under Gennaro Gattuso at Formello, but has come to accept the coach would rather bring in a different option up front, leaving him open to a move.
None of the three suitors have yet convinced the striker to commit, and Lazio are pushing to get a sale over the line so they can reinvest the proceeds elsewhere in the squad.
TURIN, ITALY – FEBRUARY 25: Mauro Icardi of Galatasaray in action during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Knockout Play-off Second Leg match between Juventus and Galatasaray A.S. at Juventus Stadium on February 25, 2026 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Stefano Guidi/Getty Images)
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Fiorentina could rival Lazio for free agent Icardi
That search for a new forward extends beyond Ratkov’s exit, with Lazio’s other priority, free agent Mauro Icardi, now facing competition from an unexpected direction.
According to Il Messaggero, via FirenzeViola, Fiorentina are among the clubs monitoring the Argentine, who has been without a club since his Galatasaray contract expired, should they sell Moise Kean to Como.
Cesc Fabregas is pushing to land Kean, offering Champions League football and full trust in attack, and Fiorentina would need a like-for-like replacement if that departure goes through.
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Lazio remain Icardi’s most consistent suitor and continue to view him as their priority target, with club president Claudio Lotito personally driving the pursuit in recent days.
Icardi, who left Galatasaray as a free agent, has been reluctant to commit while waiting to see if a bigger offer materialises before his career winds down, and Lazio will likely need to improve their proposal to convince him.
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