According to La Gazzetta dello Sport (via Sport Witness), Lazio have made the signature of Chelsea defender Davide Zappacosta their main priority for the winter transfer window — a rumor similar to the one that came to nothing last summer (with Inter Milan), it should be said.
Davide Zappacosta | Lazio have made right-back their 'number one priority' for January, want initial loan with €12-13+ view to buyhttps://t.co/thKjUvnrLO #CFC
— Tom Coast (@thcoast) January 2, 2019
They are seeking to close the deal in proper Italian football manner, by bringing Zappacosta back to his home country on a six-month long loan deal with an option to buy set around €12-13m. That however has become a point of contention as Chelsea want guaranteed money instead. The middle point, in that case, would be including an obligatory clause to be triggered next summer — which is not the ideal setup for Lazio, but is the most likely outcome if they are seriously in for him.
As of now, Zappacosta has seen the pitch only nine times with 609 minutes of play across all competitions. 18 of those are from substitute appearances in the Premier League, as Zaps has been further relegated to a rotational role with most of his chances only appearing in cup and Europa League group matches.
Lazio’s hopes are that his lack of chances at Stamford Bridge will ease his way into a Stadio Olimpico switch during this transfer window. They might be right, if Chelsea are willing to risk going the rest of the season without a backup to first choice right-back César Azpilicueta if they do not already have someone in mind to fill in his shoes.