Arsenal, Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur target Joaquin Correa has asked to leave Lazio before the end of the summer transfer window, manager Maurizio Sarri told Football Italia.
The former Napoli boss is only a month into his new job and it seems he is already fighting a losing battle as the Serie A giants look to hang onto one of the league’s most exciting forwards.
Talk about being thrown in at the deep end.
Argentina international Correa is a man in demand right now, with clubs in both France and England watching developments closely.
Tottenham director Fabio Paratici is a long-time admirer of the former Sevilla schemer. And, according to Alfredo Pedulla, Spurs firmed up their interest earlier this month with an opening bid in the region of £25 million.
Correa has also been linked with Liverpool, Arsenal and Everton, although a potential move to Paris Saint-Germain is in doubt as the Ligue 1 giants need to sell before they can buy (TMW).
Lazio president Claudio Lotito is understood to be demanding around £30 million.
Is Joaquin Correa leaving Lazio for the Premier League?
“I know the player has expressed his desire to leave,” Sarri said in his Friday press conference, confirming what many in Italy have been reporting over the last few days.
“I’d be happy if he changes his mind when he returns from the Copa America.”
Sarri also suggested that, should Correa perform an unexpected U-turn, he may be utilised in a left-sided forward role at the Stadio Olimpico.
The 26-year-old spent most of last season under Simone Inzaghi operating in a more central role, destroying AC Milan in April from a false nine position while producing an impressive 11 goals and six assists during his best campaign yet in Italian football.
Lazio are also closing in on a deal that would see West Ham misfit Felipe Anderson return to the Italian capital, with the Brazilian potentially set to replace Correa in the starting XI.
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