Lazio are ready to make a move to sign Chelsea forward Pedro when his contract expires at Stamford Bridge this summer.
The Spaniard’s deal in London expires at the end of June, and it is widely expected he will leave after five years with the club.
Indeed earlier this week he hinted that would be the case, although then moved to clear up rumours about his future by insisting he would be sitting down with Chelsea at some point.
Nonetheless, should he become available, then Lazio will be keen to make their move according to Gazzetta dello Sport.
The newspaper reports that the Serie A side had Pedro ‘in their sights’ a few seasons ago but elected against making a move to sign him.
Now the situation has changed, and they have taken his comments about his future as a ‘green light’ to make a move and joined the ‘list of suitors’ who want him.
Lazio’s belief is that Pedro would add ‘experience and quality’ that their squad needs, with the forward described as a player who ‘continues to be an element of constant performance’.
One obstacle is the number of interested parties, with it made clear there are many, although Lazio’s have a plan to seduce Pedro in that regard.
Their idea is to offer the 32-year-old a long contract, three to four years, and a contract wort €3-3.5m, which is relatively close to the €5m a year he earns at Chelsea.
Lazio have another trick up their sleeve, and that is Olivier Giroud. The tried to sign the Frenchman in January and had an agreement with the player but not Chelsea.
They are continuing to try and sign him on a free transfer this summer, and they hope that signing him may be another factor to convince Pedro to make the move.