Lazio could make a shock swoop for troubled forward Eden Hazard, who was released by Real Madrid earlier in the summer.
According to LazioNews24, the Serie A giants are considering a bold attempt to lure the big-name free agent to Rome.
Lazio bigwig Claudio Lotito has never lacked audaciousness, but he could be punching above his weight here.
Despite Hazard’s colossal downfall at the Santiago Bernabeu, he remains one of the most appreciated names in football.
While he is well past his prime, the former Belgium captain would still be a massive coup for the Biancocelesti.
On his day, the 32-year-old could make a difference against any side, let alone the significant marketing impact that comes with his arrival.
It feels like ages ago since the Stadio Olimpico last housed such a pre-eminent player.
The news of the Italians’ interest in Hazard must be tickling the imagination of every Lazio supporter, particularly in light of Sergej Milinkovic-Savic’s move to Al-Hilal.
Maurizio Sarri’s men ensured a sought-after Champions League return with an impressive runner-up finish in Serie A last season.
Sarri wouldn’t mind having a player of the Belgian’s stature at his disposal, especially given Hazard’s vast experience in high-profile contests.
As one of the most talented players of his generation, the former Chelsea winger is still a force to be reckoned with, even though his pace and fitness have dwindled in recent years.
Pedro’s showings in the past two seasons are a stark reminder of what a player of such a prominent background can do, even in the latter stages of his professional career.
There’s no guarantee that Hazard would roll back the years like the ex-Barcelona ace, but Sarri comprehends it cannot hurt having such a classy player on his side.
They know each other well, having worked together at Chelsea before the former Lille man left London to join Madrid in a blockbuster €100 million deal in 2019.
Hazard’s wages could be a sticking point, yet Sarri could use his previous acquaintance with the diminutive forward to soften an agreement.
