Gazzetta: Lazio Close to Signing Leite, Brozovic an Alternative Midfield Option

According to Gazzetta dello Sport, Lazio are continuing to look for reinforcements in the free-agent market. They are currently very close to signing Diogo Leite, while Brozovic is the club's alternative option in midfield.

Although Lazio have already completed seven signings this summer, there are still some gaps in the squad. Sporting director Angelo Fabiani previously confirmed that the club are monitoring several players who are currently without contracts, and Leite has clearly become the player closest to joining.

Reports indicate that 27-year-old Portuguese centre-back Leite became a free agent after ending his spell with Union Berlin. In recent hours, contact between his representatives and Lazio has increased significantly, and the two sides could even complete the deal today. The proposal currently on the table is a four-year contract with an annual salary of around €1.7 million, plus bonus clauses, and the player's representatives have already accepted the offer. Leite's medical examination has also been scheduled, and he is expected to arrive in Rome in the coming hours.

Lazio had already been monitoring Leite in January this year, when the player's contract with Union Berlin was nearing its end. However, negotiations cooled for a period before contact resumed this summer, and the two sides are now very close to reaching an agreement.

Leite is a left-footed centre-back, and his arrival would be considered an alternative to Romagnoli while also helping Gattuso further optimize defensive rotation. Under the current plan, Provstgaard and Leite could handle the left-sided centre-back role, while Sutalo and Doekhi would mainly operate on the right, forming a relatively balanced four-centre-back setup. In addition, Leite will reunite with Doekhi, who he previously played with at Union Berlin.

By comparison, Lazio would face greater difficulty in signing Alaba. On one hand, the player's salary and overall cost are high; on the other hand, his current physical condition also carries some uncertainty.

In midfield, Lazio remain interested in Brozovic. The Croatian midfielder also became a free agent after leaving Al Nassr, and his arrival could bring Lazio extensive experience while increasing their tactical options in midfield.

Gazzetta dello Sport reports that Lazio are seriously evaluating the possibility of signing Brozovic. However, whether this transfer route can truly move forward will depend on whether the Leite deal is completed first.

In addition, Masina is also a free agent being monitored by Lazio, and the club remain in contact with Bologna. The player himself has also expressed his desire to return: "My dream is to go back, also because of the promise from those years."