Lazio remain interested in recruiting the services of Olympique de Marseille defender Nicolas Nkoulou, although face competition from Premier League club Chelsea.
Following a rough start to the season, the Cameroon defender is said to be looking for a way out, though with a long line of suitors in the waiting the Aquile could miss out on their long-term target.
It was reported that Lazio were considering the Marseille man last summer and have now reignited their interest, though they may have left it too late as direct rivals Fiorentina look to pip them to the signing, whilst The Telegraph reports that even English side Chelsea are on the defender’s trail.
The news comes as a huge blow to Stefano Pioli’s side who are currently short on defensive re-enforcements, as Chelsea in particular hold a financial advantage under Russian owner Roman Abramovich, while Fiorentina currently stand as the only side out of the three currently challenging for a Champions League spot, which could prove more enticing for the defender than a move to the Italian capital.
Chelsea’s fellow Premier League rivals Norwich City were also reported as Lazio’s rivals in the race for Nkoulou’s signature in November.
