Celtic would have to break their transfer record to land Chelsea’s Mario Pasalic – but Lazio may not be short of cash this summer
Mario Pasalic may not have played a single minute of football in Chelsea’s first team but his CV remains mightily impressive. The Croatian spent the last two seasons on loan at Monaco and AC Milan and it appears that he could soon add another European super club to his collection.
Gianluca Di Marzio claim that Lazio are growing increasingly optimistic about convincing Chelsea to part with Pasalic on a season-long loan deal with an option to buy at the end of the 2017/18 campaign. Lazio finished an impressive fifth in Serie A last season, ahead of both Milan clubs, and Pasalic could prove an excellent fit for their talented, youthful squad.
Pasalic recovered from a slow start to impress in Milan
However, this is not good news for Celtic. ABC Sevilla reported earlier this week that the Scottish champions were interested in the 22-year-old, who started 20 Serie A games to help AC Milan return to Europe after three years away last season.
Manager Brendan Rodgers has a penchant for helping young players realise their potential and Pasalic, who has been likened to Frank Lampard for his ability to arrive late in the penalty area, has the raw attributes to develop into a top class central midfielder.
Uphill struggle?
However, with the report adding that Chelsea value the former Hajduk Split prospect at around £9 million, Celtic would have had to break their transfer record to sign him.
Leeds United, who had also been credited with an interest, also appeared to face an uphill battle when presented with such a transfer fee. Pasalic would be Leeds’ biggest signing since they bought Robbie Fowler from Liverpool for £11 million in 2001, as reported by The Guardian.
However, Lazio are expected to have plenty of funds available once Lucas Biglia and Keita Balde Diao complete their expected big-money departures. Football Italia claimed last month that Milan were willing to offer £35 million for their pair, who each have just a year remaining on their contracts.
Pasalic could be a readymade replacement for long-serving skipper Lucas Biglia
Therefore, the Rome giants could blow Celtic and Leeds out of the water.
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