Arsenal ‘offer £17m for Lazio forward Joaquin Correa’ but Serie A club hold out on another £9m

ARSENAL have reportedly bid £17million for Lazio striker Joaquin Correa.

But the Gunners will have to add another £9m on top of their initial offer if they want to sign the Argentine, according to Sports Witness.

SW allege the Serie A giants may be open to doing business for the forward who scored eight goals in 28 starts last season, but Arsenal’s offer is way below their valuation.

Lazio’s summer transfer plans are said to revolve around the potential sale of Correa.

But their valuation of Correa could deter the North London side from making another bid as he’s said to not even a transfer priority for them.

Mikel Arteta’s side were just trying their luck to see if they could scoop Correa for a cut-price, SW also report.

It’s been claimed that the ex-Sevilla ace, who joined the Italians in 2018 for £13.5m doesn’t fit into the club’s new boss Maurizio Sarri’s plans for the new season.

This has led to Correa voicing his desire to leave Italy for new pastures elsewhere.

But Sarri has stated that he wants him to stay and fight for his place after his successful trophy win with his country in the Copa America.

Sarri said last month: “He [Correa] could play as a left striker if he wants to do it.

BETTING SPECIAL – GET LEICESTER AT 60/1 OR MAN CITY AT 30/1

“I know the player has expressed his desire to leave, I’d be happy if he changes his mind when he returns from the Copa America.”

If the ex-Chelsea boss is unable to change the want-away Argentine’s mind, he won’t be short of options as several European heavyweights including Paris Saint-German have previously enquired about his availability.

Although the Ligue 1 outfit’s interest in him is said to of waned, the Gunners Premier League rivals Tottenham and Everton are also said to be monitoring Correa’s transfer situation.

DREAM TEAM IS BACK! SIGN UP NOW FOR THE 21/22 SEASON WITH £100,000 PRIZE POT UP FOR GRABS

Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk