Lazio in Direct Talks With Ligue 1 Side for 22-Year-Old Defender | OneFootball

Lazio have reportedly opened a dialogue with RC Strasbourg as they’re keen to sign their young defender Abakar Sylla.

The Background

The Biancocelesti are still looking to pick up one or two players before the end of the January transfer session. The club’s sporting director Angelo Fabiani confirmed talks with Cesare Casadei who is widely expected to be the club’s midfield reinforcement.

Nevertheless, the 63-year-old also revealed that the club also tried to acquire another Chelsea player in the shape of Renato Veiga. But while the latter ended up joining Juventus on loan, Fabiani’s admission confirms the Italian capital side is also on the hunt for a new defender, even though Patric’s injury isn’t as serious as initially feared.

Lazio Open Talks with Strasbourg for Abakar Sylla

In recent days, Sylla emerged as a potential candidate for the role. The 22-year-old is an Ivory Coast international who has been plying his trade at Strasbourg since making the move from Club Brugge in 2023 for €20 million, but has seen his playing time decrease as of late. According to Italian journalist Damiano Er Faina, Lazio have now launched direct talks with the Ligue 1 club.

Common Interest

The source adds that the Aquile are trying to acquire the player on loan with an obligation to buy. The centre-back has reportedly expressed his openness to the move. It should be noted that Strasbourg share the same owners with Chelsea (BlueCo), while Sylla has the same agents and intermediaries who are simultaneously working on Casadei’s operation, explains Italian journalist Alfredo Pedulla.