Lazio just threw down their first offer for Fluminense striker John Kennedy, and let's be real, it's a familiar lowball that could torpedo their chances. The Biancocelesti really need a reliable goal-scorer, but it looks like they're already playing hardball with a player who could actually change their fortunes.
Gattuso Needs Goals, But Lazio’s Wallet Is Tight
You gotta feel for Gennaro Gattuso. Last season, Lazio's attack was practically non-existent, netting only 41 goals in 38 Serie A rounds. Think about that: not a single player cracked the five-goal mark across all competitions. That's rough, man. No wonder Gattuso is screaming for a new center-forward, especially with Mario Gila and Alessio Romagnoli gone from the backline. John Kennedy, the 23-year-old Brazilian attacker, has been a serious target since Wednesday. He’s small for a No.9, sure, at 173 cm, but he produced 14 goals and two assists in 35 appearances across all competitions this season. That's a guy who can finish!The €4 Million Problem That Keeps Haunting Lazio
Here's where it gets dicey. According to Gianluca Di Marzio, Lazio's opening bid was a measly €8 million. Fluminense, however, is holding firm on their €12 million asking price. That's a €4 million gap, and it feels like a chasm when you look at Lazio's history. Sure, Kennedy's contract expires in less than 18 months, by December 2027, and Lazio thinks that'll help reduce the fee. But Claudio Lotito and Angelo Fabiani have a track record for messing this up. They missed out on Jonathan Asp Jensen because Bayern Munich got a better offer from Deportivo La Coruña. And don't forget Sergi Dominguez, their primary defensive target, whose transfer fell through because their offers couldn't match Dinamo Zagreb's €15 million request. Even with Kennedy sharing agents with former Lazio star Felipe Anderson, who left on good terms, it doesn't guarantee a smooth ride. This saga is just getting started, but the pressure is on Lazio to bridge that gap. Are they going to actually pony up the cash for a player who could solve their scoring woes, or are we about to watch them miss out on another crucial target?This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by Seattle On Tap editorial staff. Always verify information with official team sources.