Manchester City will reportedly look to sign 23-year-old Italian midfielder Nicolo Rovella from Serie A club Lazio in a deal worth €40 million in the winter transfer window.
According to a report by Italian outlet Il Messaggero, Nicolo Rovella is the subject of interest from Manchester City. The Premier League champions have been scouring the market for a holding midfielder heading into the winter transfer window. So, the Lazio star has emerged as a target, with City ready to cough up €40 million to sign the 23-year-old from the Serie A club.
Who is Nicolo Rovella?
Nicolo Rovella has established himself as one of the best young prospects in Serie A since joining Lazio on a two-year loan deal from Juventus in August 2023. A native of Segrate, he spent his formative years in his homeland, passing through the academies at three clubs and graduating from the youth division at Genoa CFC.
Juventus signed the 23-year-old in January 2021, but the youngster has struggled to establish a foothold in the first-team squad at the Allianz Stadium. However, he has come leaps and bounds in the last 18 months, becoming a “key midfielder” for Lazio. Rovella has turned out over 50 times thus far for the Biancocelesti while chipping in with four assists.
Rovella’s exploits for Lazio have helped him break into his national squad, making two appearances for Italy. Meanwhile, the Italian midfielder’s progress has not gone unnoticed, capturing the attention of several high-profile clubs across Europe, including Manchester City.
Premier League move on the horizon?
Nicolo Rovella has been on Manchester City’s radar for a long time. The Premier League champions have been scouring the market for a defensive midfielder heading into the winter transfer window. With Rodri out for the remainder of 2024/25 after picking up a season-ending knee injury earlier this term, his absence has left a gaping hole in the midfield unit.
So, several candidates, including Pepelu, have emerged on Manchester City’s radar. However, Rovella is also a viable target for the Citizens, and they will look to secure his services in a deal worth €40 million this month.
While Lazio might not be the Italian international’s parent club, they can complete a permanent move before selling him to Manchester City. However, it will be interesting to see if the Serie A top-four contenders can resist the pressure from the Premier League club to keep hold of the 23-year-old.
