Lazio & Atletico Madrid Working on Sensational Swap Deal

Originally posted on The Laziali | By Michel Sakr | Last updated Jan 4, 2026 5:13 AM ET

Lazio have reportedly opened talks with Atletico Madrid, which could see Matteo Guendouzi and Giacomo Raspadori swapping clubs.

As Il Messaggero reports, Maurizio Sarri had already accepted to sell Taty Castellanos and one between Guendouzi and Nicolo Rovella upon his return to the club in June, but these plans were adjourned due to the summer transfer ban. But with the Biancocelesti now free to operate on the market once more, they have agreed to sell Castellanos to West Ham for €30 million, and Guendouzi could follow suit.

In recent hours, Fenerbahce emerged as a serious suitor in the race for the French midfielder, offering Lazio €25 million transfer fee. They are also trying to lure the player with a €4 million yearly salary. Nevertheless, Il Messaggero insists that Guendouzi would prefer to reunite with Regis Le Bris at Sunderland or join Diego Simeone’s court.

The source insists that the Atletico Madrid boss is determined to launch an attempt to sign the former Arsenal and Marseille player. On the other hand, Lazio want to seize the opportunity and bring in Raspadori on a swap deal. The Italian striker has long been identified as Sarri’s preferred profile to replace Castellanos.

As the newspaper explains, the Spanish capital club had agreed to send Raspadori to Roma on loan with a potential obligation to buy clause. However, the player has yet to accept the move, as he would rather seal a permanent switch, a condition that Lazio would be willing to provide.

Since Guendouzi is valued at €30 million, the exchange deal would entail a monetary adjustment in favor of Lazio, as Raspadori’s market value is circa €25 million. While it remains to be seen if this operation will be plausible, the report insists that Atletico are keen to sign the Frenchman, even if the player exchange doesn’t materialise.

This article first appeared on The Laziali and was syndicated with permission.

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