Lazio in Advanced Negotiations for RB Salzburg Striker

Originally posted on The Laziali | By Michel Sakr | Last updated Jan 6, 2026 2:24 PM ET

Out of the blue, Lazio could conclude deal that would see RB Salzburg bomber Petar Ratkov landing in Rome.

The Biancocelesti sold Taty Castellanos to West Ham United for €30 million, so they have been searching the market for a replacement. Maurizio Sarri reportedly snubbed the likes of Andrea Pinamonti and Roberto Piccoli while urging the club to recruit Giacomo Raspadori. However, Roma have already secured an agreement with Atletico Madrid, so they remain well ahead in the race.

Therefore, Lazio sporting director Angelo Fabiani has been seeking creative solutions, and it appears he has found a suitable profile in Austria. According to Italian journalist Gianluca Di Marzio, the Aquile are now in advanced negotiations with Salzburg for Ratkov. The operation should cost the Italian capital side a transfer fee in the region of €13 million.

Standing at 193cm tall, the 23-year-old is a classic No.9 with an eye for goal. He is a natural target man who excels in the hold-up play, making him a profile that Lazio has been lacking for quite some time.

The Belgrade native is a Serbian international who has already made three appearances for the first team, but he also holds a Croatian passport. The attacker started his career at TSC Backa Topola, before joining RB Salzburg, who are renowned for poaching some of the finest talents in the world and developing them, the likes of Erling Haaland, Sadio Mane, and Karim Adeyemi.

This season, Ratkov has made 29 appearances in all competitions, scoring 12 goals and providing three assists. The young striker is also the author of the fastest goal in the history of the Austrian top flight, finding the back of the net just six seconds into the match back in February 2024. He was also nominated for the Golden Boy Award in 2023, which was won by Jude Bellingham.

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

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