Lazio gets 'no' from Ivanovic: striker prefers Lens in Europe.
According to Tuttomercatoweb.
Why this matters
Franjo Ivanovic's refusal to join Lazio highlights the growing importance of European competitions for up-and-coming players. His preference for Lens, which competes in Ligue 1 and has the potential for the Champions League, reflects a tendency among athletes to prioritize clubs that offer international visibility. For Lazio, the situation forces a reassessment of its offensive options, which could impact its strategy in the next Serie A season.
Main conclusions
- Lazio gets 'no' from Ivanovic: striker prefers Lens in Europe.
- Ivanovic refuses Lazio and favors Lens in Europe; Pinamonti is back in the sights of the Romans, with Piccoli and Gimenez also identified as alternatives.
- Lazio, not di Ivanovic: see Europe with the Lens. Attenzione Pinamonti.
Lazio received a clear ‘no’ from Franjo Ivanovic. According to Sky Sport, the striker informed the Roman club in the last few hours that he does not intend to move to the Italian capital. At the end of his career at Benfica, the player favors a project that guarantees his presence in European competitions next season, a factor that has had a decisive impact on his choice. In this context, Lens appears as a very well positioned destination and, according to the same information, is very close to convincing the striker to sign. The possibility of competing in the Champions League with the French team will be a determining factor in the outcome of the dossier.
Ivanovic's 'no' forces Lazio to reconfigure its attack plan. Gennaro Gattuso continues to await reinforcements for the offensive sector and the name of Andrea Pinamonti is gaining strength again. The Italian international, currently linked to Sassuolo, had already been the target of contacts and the door could now reopen with greater conviction from Biancocelesti leaders. Pinamonti's profile — a striker with presence in the box and experience in Serie A — fits the immediate needs of the Roman team, which aims to add reliable alternatives to its group of forwards.
It is not, however, the only way on the table. Lazio's list also includes other dossiers: Piccoli and Gimenez are options closely monitored, if Pinamonti's talks with Sassuolo do not progress at the desired pace. The strategy involves ensuring a solution that offers competitive depth and immediate impact, in a context in which the internal and European calendar requires rotation and immediate performance in the last third.
For Ivanovic, the prospect of asserting himself on a European stage was decisive. Lens has established itself in France as a solid project, capable of fighting for the top spots and being present on European nights. This ambition, combined with the opportunity to compete at the highest continental level, outweighed the appeal of Rome. Thus, Benfica is preparing to see the striker follow another path, while Lazio quickly turns the page and accelerates in the market in search of the '9' that Gattuso is missing.
With the transfer window in full swing, the next few hours could be decisive: between the strong bet on Pinamonti and the internal alternatives identified, in Rome we know that time is short and the need is great. In France, Lens is confident in signing a reinforcement who arrives ready to compete and help the team maintain its European ambition.
What happens next
With Ivanovic out of the picture, Lazio are expected to intensify negotiations with Andrea Pinamonti, who is seen as a viable solution to reinforce the attack. In addition to Pinamonti, the names of Piccoli and Gimenez are also under consideration, which indicates that Lazio is exploring several alternatives to secure an effective striker. Lazio coach Gennaro Gattuso hopes a new addition to the squad can help the team compete more robustly in Serie A.
Frequently asked questions
What happened to Franjo Ivanovic?
Franjo Ivanovic informed Lazio that he does not intend to transfer to the Roman club.
Who confirmed Ivanovic's decision?
Ivanovic's decision was advanced by Sky Sport.
Why does Ivanovic prefer Lens?
Ivanovic prefers Lens because he is looking for a project that will guarantee his presence in European competitions next season.
What changes will Lazio have to make after Ivanovic's refusal?
Lazio will have to reconfigure their attacking plan and are considering Andrea Pinamonti as an option.
What's at stake for Lazio now?
Lazio seeks to ensure a solution that offers competitive depth and immediate impact in attack.