Petar Ratkov has signalled his willingness to join Sevilla after months of rejecting transfer offers, opening the possibility of a late departure from Lazio before the window closes. The Serbia international had previously dismissed approaches from Dinamo Moscow, Red Star Belgrade and a proposal exceeding €10m from Championship side Southampton, but has now given the green light to the Spanish club according to Gianluca Di Marzio.
Sevilla are reportedly weighing up a loan deal with an option to buy for the striker, who joined Lazio last summer but has struggled to establish himself as a first-choice option under Gennaro Gattuso. However, Alfredo Pedulla reports that the approach remains at a preliminary stage, with concrete developments expected in the coming hours.
Pinamonti arrival reshapes forward line
Ratkov’s potential exit forms part of a broader restructuring of Gattuso’s attacking department. The Lazio head coach specifically requested a new centre-forward during the window, prompting the club to reach agreement with Sassuolo over Andrea Pinamonti.
The arrangement will cost €3m for the initial loan, with Lazio holding an option to make the transfer permanent. Pinamonti has been cleared to travel to Rome for his medical after Sassuolo finalised the signing of Sebastiano Esposito from Cagliari, removing the final obstacle to the deal.
Gattuso has reportedly settled on Boulaye Dia as his primary senior forward option following the opening-weekend victory at Bologna. The arrival of Pinamonti and the preference for Dia leave Ratkov surplus to requirements at the Stadio Olimpico.
Artistico set for Serie B exit
Gabriele Artistico also faces departure despite completing the full pre-season programme with Lazio’s first team. The forward is set to drop down to Serie B, with Cesena and Padova both monitoring his situation.
Interest from Frosinone has faded, leaving the 21-year-old to seek regular first-team football in Italy’s second tier. The departures of both Artistico and Ratkov would complete a significant overhaul of the Biancocelesti’s striking options as Gattuso reshapes his squad before the deadline.