Lazio have not given up their pursuit of Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Leandro Paredes, reports Gianluca Di Marzio.
The Argentine World Cup winner has returned to PSG after an underwhelming loan spell at Juventus last season, but he is not in Luis Enrique’s plans.
Having signed Manuel Ugarte and Cher Ndour as midfield reinforcements, PSG are keen to get Paredes off their books.
Galatasaray have approached the former Zenit St Petersburg star over a possible transfer, but he has turned down their advances, handing Lazio a huge advantage in the transfer race.
The Biancocelesti have been in contact with the player’s representatives but are yet to step up talks with PSG.
The Ligue 1 champions want around €5 million for Paredes, but he could be available for a slightly lesser fee as PSG are keen on selling him this summer.
Maurizio Sarri is eyeing reinforcements, with Lazio set to play in the Champions League after finishing second in Serie A last season.
The need for a new high-profile midfielder has increased following the departure of Sergej Milinkovic-Savic to Al-Hilal.
Napoli midfielder Piotr Zielinksi is a top target, while Galatasaray midfielder Lucas Torreira is another option.
Sarri always has a soft spot for a deep-lying playmaker, who he cites as essential for his system.
Paredes fits the bill and can challenge Danilo Cataldi for a place in Lazio’s starting XI.
The 29-year-old would bring his World Cup experience to the table and would be pivotal in the Biancocelesti’s European adventure next season.
Lazio are on the verge of completing a move for Argentine striker Valentin Castellanos as their first summer signing.
