Lazio have officially enquired about Santiago Gimenez with AC Milan, according to La Repubblica. The Roman club's manager Gennaro Gattuso views the Mexican forward as the perfect attacking focal point for his rebuild, intensifying competition in the Serie A transfer market this winter.
The Biancocelesti initially targeted Lorenzo Lucca, the former Ajax striker, but an injury to the Italian forward reignited their interest in Gimenez. Club officials have already held preliminary talks with the 22-year-old's representatives and now seek to negotiate with Milan. The Rossoneri appear open to a departure, with a loan arrangement plus purchase option emerging as the most viable pathway.
Valuation Gap Threatens Deal
Negotiations face a critical hurdle over the fee structure. AC Milan are demanding €20 million for the purchase clause, a figure Lazio considers excessive given their current financial constraints. This disparity echoes Milan's summer 2024 investment, when they signed Gimenez from Feyenoord for €30 million.
The Mexican's Serie A campaign has disappointed considerably. Since arriving at the San Siro, he has failed to register a single league goal while battling persistent injury setbacks. His early promise evaporated quickly, prompting Milan to explore alternatives. A temporary exit could prove beneficial for all parties—allowing Gimenez minutes to rebuild form, Lazio an attacking option without full commitment, and Milan cap space relief. The coming weeks will reveal whether the valuation gap can be bridged before the window closes.
