Lazio's midfield gamble: targeting Zaniolo amid Udinese price tag

Lazio are eager to add midfielder Nicolo Zaniolo to plug a creative void in their midfield after a season lacking depth. The 26‑year‑old impressed Udinese last term with six goals and six assists across 34 Serie A appearances, making him a prime target.

Reports indicate that Gennaro Gattuso, alongside the Lazio hierarchy, are monitoring the situation closely. Zaniolo’s performance on loan from Galatasaray has convinced the Roman club that he can immediately strengthen their squad.

Zaniolo arrived at Udinese on loan for the 2025‑26 campaign, a move that saw him feature for five different clubs in three years. After the loan, Udinese exercised their option to buy, securing his services on a contract that runs until the summer of 2029.

The player’s current deal pays him €1.5 million per season, roughly half the wage he earned at Galatasaray. Udinese are under no legal obligation to raise his salary, despite his agent’s claim of a ‘gentlemen’s agreement’ to renegotiate after the permanent transfer.

Udinese have set an asking price between €15 million and €20 million, with Lazio reportedly prepared to meet the upper €20 million figure. The club says Zaniolo could depart almost immediately once the permanent deal is finalised.

With Udinese needing to sell players to fund new arrivals this summer, the wage dispute adds a further hurdle to any move. A recent Serie A clash at Stadio Friuli even saw Zaniolo opposite Luca Lipani of Sassuolo, underscoring his ongoing involvement in the league.