Lazio Set Sights on Rising Star Carlos Espi After Relegation Heroics

FolioPitch.com – 23 July 2026 | Lazio Plotting Onslaught for Young Levante Hero as the Serie A side looks to bolster its attack under new coach Gennaro Gattuso. The Biancocelesti have identified Levante’s towering striker Carlos Espi as a prime target following his remarkable performances that saved the Valencian club from relegation last season.

Lazio Plotting Onslaught for Young Levante Hero comes amid a frustrating summer transfer window for the Roman club, which has struggled to secure a reliable center-forward. Gattuso, appointed last month, made it clear during his unveiling that recruiting a striker is a top priority after the team’s poor goalscoring record last term. The Aquile had previously targeted Fiorentina’s Roberto Piccoli, Sassuolo’s Andrea Pinamonti, and Fluminense’s John Kennedy, but failed to reach agreements with any of those clubs.

Lazio Plotting Onslaught for Young Levante Hero now turns attention to Espi, a 20-year-old academy product who rose to prominence in LaLiga. According to Italian journalist Gianluca Di Marzio, Lazio have not yet opened formal talks with Levante but are closely monitoring the situation. Bologna and several Premier League clubs are also tracking the striker, adding competition for his signature.

Espi’s story is one of determination and timely form. Promoted to Levante’s first team in 2024 while the club was in the Segunda Division, he helped them earn promotion. Last season, Levante struggled in LaLiga and seemed destined for an immediate return to the second tier. However, Espi erupted in the final months, scoring six goals in four crucial matches to secure a 16th-place finish. Overall, he netted 11 times in 25 league appearances, with his late-season exploits skyrocketing his market value from €2.5 million to €20 million in just four months, per Transfermarkt.

Standing at 194 cm, Espi offers a physical presence and a knack for decisive goals. He remains under contract with Levante until June 2028, with a release clause set at €25 million. For Lazio, this price tag presents a significant challenge given their net-zero transfer budget this summer. The club’s sporting director, Angelo Fabiani, may need to devise creative solutions—such as a loan with an option to buy or player exchanges—to bring the Spaniard to Rome.

Lazio Plotting Onslaught for Young Levante Hero underscores the club’s ambition to rebuild after a disappointing campaign. With Gattuso demanding a reliable finisher, Espi could be the answer. However, the financial hurdles are steep, and time is running short before the transfer window closes. Whether Fabiani can work his magic remains to be seen, but Lazio’s interest is clear and growing.

In conclusion, Lazio’s pursuit of Carlos Espi highlights their urgent need for attacking firepower and their willingness to target emerging talents. The young forward’s heroics in Spain have made him a sought-after commodity, but Lazio must overcome financial constraints to secure his services. As the summer window progresses, fans will watch closely to see if the Biancocelesti can land their man.