Aston Villa reportedly face strong competition for PSG goalkeeper Sergio Rico, with Serie A side Lazio now in the race for the shot-stopper.
According to RMC Sport, the on-loan RCD Mallorca star is on the Roman-club’s radar, with Lazio set to enter talks with Rico over a potential transfer ahead of the summer transfer window.
Lazio are set to lose Thomas Strakosha this off-season with the Albanian’s contract set to expire, and Rico, who is a two-time UEFA Europa League winner with Sevilla, has emerged as a stand-out target for Maurizio Sarri’s club.
Lazio’s interest in Rico will come as a blow for Villa, who were linked with the 28-year-old in the January transfer window as back-up for Emi Martinez according to the Express. Whilst Steven Gerrard ended up signing Robin Olsen, a keeper with Premier League experience would have been preferred.
Lauded by former Watford and Fulham manager Claudio Ranieri as ‘very good’, praise from a Premier League-winning manager is always a positive sign for a keeper like Rico, who could have been a solid addition for Villa.
However, with Lazio now in the mix and likely to hand Rico the number one starting spot, Villa could now be well out of the race for the former Sevilla star, who needs a new permanent home.
Villa should drop interest in Rico with Lazio keen to enter talks
Despite a poor season compared to last year, Martinez still remains one of the best goalkeepers in the Premier League, and whilst Rico would have been a back-up for Gerrard’s side, the Spaniard deserves a number one spot at a club like Lazio.
Indeed, the 28-year-old has been consistently out on loan since joining PSG, and Lazio could be an ideal next club for Rico, who was once hailed as Spain’s future number one keeper following his years at Sevilla.
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