West Ham United target Thomas Strakosha does not want to sign a new contract at Lazio and could be sold for £25 million during the summer transfer window, as reported by Il Messaggero.
Whether Lazio want to or not, they have no real choice but to listen to offers for their Greek-born goalkeeper.
Strakosha is due to become a free agent in 2022 after all.
And, unless the Serie A giants are willing to lose the talented shot-stopper for absolutely nothing, a parting of the ways feels somewhat inevitable.
Calciomercato report that West Ham are willing to offer Strakosha a fresh start in England, with talks ongoing regarding a swap deal that would see Paraguayan centre-back Fabian Balbuena go in the other direction (Messaggero).
Lazio have not given up hope just yet of tying Strakosha down to a new long-term deal. But this a challenge akin to climbing the Quirinal Hill on roller skates.
Talks have hit an impasse. Understandably, the Albania international is unwilling to commit his future to the Biancocolesti after losing his starting place to a 38-year-old Pepe Reina.
But you would be wrong to assume that Lazio are willing to accept a reduced fee for a man who will be available for free 16 months from now.
Il Messaggero claims that Strakosha is valued at £25 million – a fee that would make him West Ham’s third-most expensive signing of all time.
Strakosha would be tasked with replacing the 35-year-old Lukasz Fabianski at the London Stadium.
But, with the evergreen Pole as sharp and reliable as ever, there is no guarantee that Strakosha would be a starter at West Ham either.
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