Nicolo Rovella (foto: Getty Images)
Manchester City targets Lazio’s Nicolò Rovella with a €40M bid as the club seeks to replace the injured Rodri in January.
Manchester City is reportedly preparing a €40 million offer for Nicolò Rovella, the 23-year-old Lazio midfielder, as the team struggles to cope without Rodri, who has been ruled out for the season with a knee injury. According to Il Messaggero, City plans to make its move during the January transfer window.
Rovella has been in excellent form for Lazio this season, earning him a debut with the Italian national team in November. Currently on a two-year loan from Juventus, Lazio is obligated to buy the midfielder at the end of the season for €17 million, a deal the Roman club reportedly intends to complete without hesitation.
Rodri’s absence has left a significant void in City’s midfield, as his role as a defensive anchor has proven vital to Pep Guardiola’s system. The team’s recent dip in form has emphasized the need for reinforcements in the holding midfield position, and Rovella is viewed as a viable long-term solution.
If the deal goes through, Lazio stands to make a substantial profit on Rovella. By completing their obligation to buy the player for €17 million and selling him to City for €40 million, the club could net €23 million in profit. Juventus, Rovella’s parent club, would also benefit from any sell-on clauses included in the original agreement.