Brighton and Hove Albion are willing to loan out Diego Coppola this summer, if the deal include an option to buy him next summer.
Corriere della Sera report on the 22-year-old defender today and Brighton’s plans for him amid interest from Lazio.
Lazio rebuild
The newspaper explains that Lazio’s summer business is really getting underway and taking shape. They need to sell before they can buy and are already working on that front.
Their defence will effectively be dismantled and reinforcements will be needed. Diego Coppola is one of the players there are targeting thanks to a preference for Italian U23 players.
Sport Witness covered a report that explained negotiations with Brighton were advancing well. Corriere now provide further information.
They explain that the 22-year-old would cost around €12m. But crucially, the Seagulls are willing to loan him out with an option to buy. That appeals to Lazio as it would allow them to defer the expenditure for a year and use their current cash reserves for other players.
Brighton sanction loan deal
Other options are being considered. But Brighton’s willingness to sanction a loan for Coppola means that he appears to be the favourite. That simply appears to be because he is the most attainable, at least in terms of Lazio’s finances.
The centre-back only joined Brighton in an €11m deal last summer. But he struggled to establish himself under Fabian Hurzeler. He then spent the second half of the season on loan at French side Paris FC.
They aren’t looking to sign him on a permanent basis, though. That means he’s returning to Brighton this summer. He still has four years left on his deal with the Seagulls, but it appears he’s not a part of their long-term plans.
Instead, they are happy to loan him out to Lazio this summer, provided they can get their money back next summer.
