Lazio had the opportunity to make changes between the sticks, as they were offered the services of Arsenal goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga.
The Biancocelesti parted ways with Ivan Provedel, who was their first-choice custodian for the last four years. The 32-year-old Friulian was sold to Inter Milan for €3 million. Lazio then opted for an internal solution by reintegrating Christos Mandas and handing him the starting gloves, with the young and impressive Edoardo Motta acting as his understudy.
Mandas returned to Formello after a forgettable six-month loan spell at Bournemouth, where he failed to make a single appearance. The Premier League club had an option to buy him for circa €18 million, but opted against exercising it.
Christos Mandas (Photo by Marco Rosi – SS Lazio/Getty Images)
But according to Il Messaggero (via La Lazio Siamo Noi ), the Cherries were still hoping to keep the Greek goalkeeper, as they returned with a €15 million offer. However, Lazio turned down the bid, insisting on keeping the 24-year-old.
The Roman newspaper also reveals another transfer story, claiming that Arsenal offered Kepa to the Aquile for just €5 million. The 31-year-old Spaniard had cost Chelsea a whopping €80 million back in 2018, but he currently serves as a backup for David Raya.
Michele Di Gregorio (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
Lazio weren't interested in this proposal, nor did they entertain a swap deal between Mandas and Juventus outcast Michele Di Gregorio , who ended up joining Bournemouth on loan.
In the end, the management honoured Gennaro Gattuso's request by keeping Mandas at all costs. The Greece international is already beginning to repay the coach's faith. Although he had a poor outing in the Coppa Italia against Mantova, he has yet to concede a goal after the first two rounds of the Serie A season. He even put on a Man of the Match performance on the opening day against Bologna.
