Lazio transfer updates: Southampton target Ratkov, Fiorentina could join Icardi race
Quick summary
Southampton are reportedly interested in signing Lazio forward Petar Ratkov, while Fiorentina may enter the race for Mauro Icardi.
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Attributed to original sourceLazio are working to offload Petar Ratkov this summer, with a third club now interested in the Serbian striker as his future at the club looks increasingly shaky.
According to Sky Sport, via TuttoMercatoWeb , Dinamo Moscow and Southampton have both made contact over a permanent deal, and they’ve now been joined by Red Star Belgrade.
Ratkov had hoped to fight for his place under Gennaro Gattuso at Formello, but has come to accept the coach would rather bring in a different option up front, leaving him open to a move.
None of the three suitors have yet convinced the striker to commit, and Lazio are pushing to get a sale over the line so they can reinvest the proceeds elsewhere in the squad.
TURIN, ITALY – FEBRUARY 25: Mauro Icardi of Galatasaray in action during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Knockout Play-off Second Leg match between Juventus and Galatasaray A.S. at Juventus Stadium on February 25, 2026 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Stefano Guidi/Getty Images) Fiorentina could rival Lazio for free agent Icardi That search for a new forward extends beyond Ratkov’s exit, with Lazio’s other priority, free agent Mauro Icardi, now facing competition from an unexpected direction.
According to Il Messaggero, via FirenzeViola , Fiorentina are among the clubs monitoring the Argentine, who has been without a club since his Galatasaray contract expired, should they sell Moise Kean to Como.
Cesc Fabregas is pushing to land Kean , offering Champions League football and full trust in attack, and Fiorentina would need a like-for-like replacement if that departure goes through.
Lazio remain Icardi’s most consistent suitor and continue to view him as their priority target, with club president Claudio Lotito personally driving the pursuit in recent days.
Icardi, who left Galatasaray as a free agent, has been reluctant to commit while waiting to see if a bigger offer materialises before his career winds down, and Lazio will likely need to improve their proposal to convince him.
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What happened
Lazio are facing potential transfer activity on two fronts. Southampton have expressed interest in signing young forward Petar Ratkov, who is part of Lazio's squad. Separately, Fiorentina could complicate any potential move for striker Mauro Icardi, whose future remains a talking point. The dual developments suggest Lazio may need to navigate both incoming and outgoing moves as the window progresses.
Chance analysis
Lazio find themselves at the center of two separate transfer stories that could reshape their attacking options. The interest from Southampton in Petar Ratkov signals that the young forward is attracting attention from abroad, potentially giving Lazio leverage in negotiations. Meanwhile, the prospect of Fiorentina entering the Icardi conversation adds a domestic rival to the mix, which could drive up competition — and price — for the experienced striker. Both situations are still in the rumor phase, but they highlight how Lazio's squad is being closely watched ahead of the window's next phase.
If either transfer materializes, Lazio could lose attacking depth in Ratkov or Icardi, potentially prompting reinforcement activity before the window closes.