After quite a lot of vague mentions and “will they, won’t they” reports in the Italian press, it appears Lazio have finally made their mind up when it comes to their preferred full-back target, and it’s Davide Zappacosta.

The Chelsea man was touted, alongside Matteo Darmian, to be one of the players Simone Inzaghi and co. were looking at, but now Gazzetta dello Sport believe he’s their ‘number one objective’ for the January transfer window.

Barely featuring (apart from in the Europa League) under Maurizio Sarri, the 26-year-old is in need of more regular game time, and Lazio are prepared to give it to him.

However, things are never easy as the Serie A side can’t afford to buy him outright in January, meaning they’d much prefer an initial loan deal.

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While Chelsea aren’t against that idea altogether, they do want some guarantee they will get money next summer, and they aren’t prepared to accept Lazio’s initial idea a loan with a view to buy at €12-13m.

If the Italians can’t pay up front, then the Blues would like for the deal to be a loan with an obligation to buy at that price next summer.

Gazzetta describe this option as ‘the most probable’, but still ‘not ideal’.

If Zappacosta really is Lazio’s ‘number one priority’, they’ll find a way.