Lazio target Milan midfielder Loftus-Cheek as Guendouzi exit nears

Lazio have identified Ruben Loftus-Cheek as a potential midfield reinforcement as Matteo Guendouzi edges closer to a January exit.

According to TMW, the Biancocelesti are stepping up their interest in the English midfielder, currently at Milan, with head coach Maurizio Sarri personally pushing for the move. The development comes as Guendouzi’s departure gathers pace, with both the player and Lazio having already reached an agreement in principle with Fenerbahce.

Sarri is keen to replace Guendouzi with a midfielder capable of offering physicality, ball-carrying ability and experience at the highest level, qualities he believes Loftus-Cheek can provide.

The former Chelsea midfielder is admired for his versatility and familiarity with Serie A, having already spent time in Italy.

Talks between Lazio and Milan are understood to be ongoing, but the Rossoneri are reluctant to sanction the player’s departure midway through the season. As things stand, Milan would only consider a sale in the face of a significant offer.

Financially, Lazio are in a stronger position than earlier in the window. The recent sale of Valentín Castellanos, combined with the expected Guendouzi deal, will provide the club with room to manoeuvre. However, convincing Milan to part ways with Loftus-Cheek remains a challenging task.

For now, Lazio are testing the waters, but Loftus-Cheek has emerged as a serious name as Sarri looks to reshape his midfield for the second half of the season.