Maurizio Sarri ‘is targeting a reunion with Kepa Arrizabalaga at Lazio’ more than three years after bringing him to Chelsea for £72m… ‘as Italian also calls Allan to ask Everton midfielder to join on loan this month’
- Kepa Arrizabalaga has made just seven appearances for Chelsea this season
- He is expected to play in the next few weeks with Edouard Mendy at AFCON
- But Lazio boss Maurizio Sarri reportedly remains keen on reunion with Spaniard
- Italian has also allegedly called Everton midfielder Allan to ask him to join
Lazio are considering making a move for Chelsea goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga, according to reports in Italy.
The Spaniard has made just seven appearances for the Blues this season, but is expected to get a run in the side during the next few weeks with Senegal’s Edouard Mendy at the Africa Cup of Nations.
But Il Messaggero claim that has not deterred ex-Chelsea boss Maurizio Sarri from eyeing a reunion with the 27-year-old in the Italian capital, having been the one who brought him to west London for a world-record £72million fee in August 2018.
Lazio are reportedly interested in signing Chelsea goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga
Maurizio Sarri (right) is reportedly keen on a reunion with the Spanish goalkeeper (left)
But the report adds the Spain international’s reported £155,000-per-week salary remains a problem for the Serie A side.
Kepa made 54 Chelsea appearances in the Italian’s only season in charge in west London in 2018-19, and was infamously involved in a Carabao Cup final bust-up with Sarri.
The extraordinary on-field row between the duo took place at Wembley in February 2019, when the Spaniard defied his manager’s orders to be replaced by Willy Caballero in the League Cup final against Manchester City ahead of the decisive penalty shootout.
The report also adds the 63-year-old boss has personally called Brazilian midfielder Allan to ask him to join Lazio this month.
The Italian boss has also reportedly called Everton midfielder Allan to ask him to join Lazio
The 31-year-old made 132 appearances under Sarri in three seasons between 2015 and 2018 at Napoli, before joining Everton in 2020.
The same outlet claims Everton are open to loaning Allan out until the end of the season, but like Kepa, his wages – reportedly £70,000 per week – are preventing a return to Italy.
Inter Milan midfielder Matias Vecino – who played under Sarri at Empoli – is reportedly another midfield option for Lazio, with the Uruguay international’s contract at San Siro expiring in June.
But Lazio may well be able to afford their targets if they sell first, with Vedat Muriqi among those who could be let go amid reported Premier League interest from Leeds United.