Lazio Step Up Pursuit For Italian Premier League Star After MOTM Display

Lazio are preparing a huge bid for Wilfried Gnonto after the Italian’s MOTM display in the FA Cup on January 11th.

Lazio Prepare Wilfried Gnonto Bid

The Laziali are set to open negotiations with Leeds United over a move for Italian international Wilfried Gnonto, as Maurizio Sarri looks to strengthen for the remainder of this season.

Gnonto put in a MOTM display in his latest outing, as Leeds secured a 3-1 win over Derby County in the FA Cup and the Italian showed glimpses of his best after a difficult spell in England.

The 22-year-old’s equalizer in the 55th minute at Pride Park marked Gnonto’s first goal of the season and was only his fifth start across all competitions.

Leaving Leeds has been a persistent topic during recent transfer windows and this lack of playing time has cast Gnonto’s future into further doubt.

Lazio’s interest in the Azzurri star has increased drastically since Taty Castellanos and Matteo Guendouzi moved away from Rome in the opening stages of January.

Maurizio Sarri is keen on strengthening his side and has earmarked two stars to replace the aforementioned departures, but may divert his attention to Gnonto.

The 22-year-old still has two-years remaining on his deal with Leeds and the Premier League side have reportedly set a €40million price tag on the Italian.

Lazio are unlikely to spend this amount in January and Maurizio was extremely critical over the club’s hierarchy – claiming his side always start at zero.

Maurizio Sarri Slams Lazio Board

Losing two star players would have been a bitter pill to swallow for Sarri, especially after Guendouzi scored and won silverware in his opening match for Fenerbahce.

The Laziali were unable to strengthen in the summer due to a transfer ban, but this came to an end at the beginning of 2026 and the Serie A side are looking to strengthen.

Sarri has been very vocal about his feelings towards the Lazio board and gave an explosive opinion after Lazio’s narrow victory over Hellas Verona on January 11th.

Sarri said: “For me, being here is an act of violence, so let’s make it quick. I have my objectives very clear in my head: to build a team that, with a couple of additions, can become a higher-level side. What baffles me is that at Lazio, every year you get the feeling it’s year zero all over again.

“This is the first time in my life that I’ve thrown on a player who’s had just one training session with me: that says a lot about the difficulties we’re facing.”