Club president confirms West Ham offer has arrived for 22 year old, and it’s acceptable

 

Lazio president Claudio Lotito this week held a late night meeting with Keita Baldé Diao, trying to sort out the 22 year old’s future.

With only a year left on his contract, and with the player having no intention to renew, Lazio are keen to sell during the current window. However, Keita wants to remain in Italian football and whilst acceptable offers have arrived, those haven’t been from any clubs in Italy.

Quoted by Gazzetta dello Sport, Lotito explained: “Many bids have come on his account, now it is up to him to decide what to do, I’m waiting. Which offers? West Ham is public, then there are others from abroad, all responding to our requests. Inter, Juve? No, neither of them have come up with a proposal.”

West Ham interest has been well documented, but so has Keita’s lack of willingness to move to the Premier League club.

Things could change, Lotito also made it very clear that should Keita remain for next season, priority would be given to other players who are committed to Lazio long term.

That sounds very much like Keita will face a lot of time on the bench, or perhaps in the stands, which could make West Ham more attractive.

With Marko Arnautovic and Javier Hernandez agreeing to join West Ham, Keita may have also missed his chance there.

The Lazio forward can play on the left or through the middle and scored 16 Serie A goals last season, whilst adding 3 assists.