Lazio Close to Securing Diego Coppola as Brighton Defender Eyes Exit

FolioPitch.com – 26 June 2026 | Lazio Reportedly Have an Agreement Principle With Unsettled Brighton Player, according to sources close to the negotiations. The Serie A side is desperate to bolster their defensive ranks as they face the imminent departures of Alessio Romagnoli and potentially Mario Gila. Romagnoli is set to join Al-Sadd, while Gila has emerged as a top target for Napoli. This has left Lazio needing at least one new centre-back, and they have identified Brighton’s Diego Coppola as a viable solution.

Lazio Reportedly Have an Agreement Principle With Unsettled Brighton Player, with the 22-year-old Italian defender accepting personal terms. Reports from La Gazzetta dello Sport indicate that Coppola has agreed to a five-year contract worth €1.5 million per season plus bonuses. However, the clubs remain apart on the transfer fee, with Brighton demanding €11-12 million and Lazio pushing for a lower figure. Direct negotiations are expected in the coming days to bridge the gap.

Coppola, a product of Hellas Verona’s academy, became a regular starter for the Gialloblu before moving to Brighton last summer. His time in England was challenging, with limited minutes in the first half of the season. A loan move to Paris FC in January revived his career, as he made 13 Ligue 1 appearances and provided two assists. Now, with Lazio reportedly having an agreement principle with the unsettled Brighton player, a return to Italy seems imminent.

Lazio’s new head coach, Gennaro Gattuso, has given the green light for Coppola’s pursuit. Gattuso had previously called Coppola up to the Italian national team, though he didn’t give him playing time. While Gattuso’s preferred target is Sergi Dominguez, club directors have made more headway with Coppola, viewing him as a more attainable option. Lazio Reportedly Have an Agreement Principle With Unsettled Brighton Player, but the sticking point remains the fee.

For Lazio, signing Coppola would address their need for a right-footed centre-back to partner with left-footed Oliver Provstgaard, who is expected to step up. The club is also dealing with the departure of Romagnoli and the potential sale of Gila. Coppola’s versatility and experience in Italian football make him an attractive addition. His loan spell at Paris FC demonstrated his ability to adapt and perform under pressure.

Brighton, meanwhile, are open to letting Coppola go as he is not in their immediate plans. The Seagulls signed him for a reported €10 million last summer, and they are looking to recoup a similar amount. Lazio’s initial offers have been lower, but the two sides are optimistic about reaching a compromise. The personal terms are already settled, which gives Lazio an advantage in negotiations.

If the deal goes through, Coppola will join a Lazio squad aiming to challenge for European places next season. His addition would provide depth and competition, especially with the club’s defensive overhaul. Lazio Reportedly Have an Agreement Principle With Unsettled Brighton Player, and now it’s up to the clubs to finalize the transfer. The next few weeks will be crucial as Lazio look to secure their top defensive target.

In conclusion, Lazio’s pursuit of Diego Coppola represents a strategic move to strengthen their backline. With the agreement on personal terms, the focus now shifts to convincing Brighton. The player’s desire to leave and Lazio’s pressing need make this transfer likely. Fans will be watching closely as the Biancocelesti aim to complete the signing before pre-season begins.