Report: Lazio eye Wolfsburg winger as an alternative for Julian Brandt
Reports have emerged today that Lazio are targetting Wolfsburg winger Josip Brekalo as an alternative to Borussia Dortmund midfielder Julian Brandt.
As reported by Italian radio broadcaster Radiosei, the 23-year-old Croatian winger has attracted the attention of Lazio sporting director Igli Tare, who is looking for a winger that would be suitable for coach Maurizio Sarri’s 4-3-3 system.
It is reported that Brekalo has requested a transfer away from Wolfsburg, and Wolfsburg are willing to accept a loan deal with a buy option of €15m attached.
The Croatian has been approached by numerous clubs in the last few weeks, including Atletico Madrid, Real Sociedad, and Real Betis, so Lazio will have some competition for his signature.
Julian Brandt remains at the top of the Lazio wish list, but the deal is more expensive to complete. Lazio are trying to convince Dortmund to accept a loan offer with a €25m buy option, however, it has been reported that if Brandt was to leave, Dortmund would prefer an obligation to buy rather than an option.
Brandt himself has spoken out about the links to Italy, and he has played down these links:
"I never fueled these transfer rumors myself. It was the newspapers in Italy," he said.
"Of course it's nice when other clubs express interest. But from my side, there have never been any signs that I was was thinking about a transfer."