Empoli Rejects Lazio’s Offer for Fazzini, Napoli Also in the Mix

Empoli director Roberto Gemmi confirmed on Wednesday that Napoli made a higher offer for midfielder Jacopo Fazzini, but the club was closer to a deal with Lazio before negotiations collapsed. Gemmi stated, “It is unlikely at this stage” that the transfer will be revived.

Reports had suggested that an agreement with Lazio was imminent, but talks fell apart over the past few days. Lazio reportedly made an offer worth “over €10 million,” which Empoli rejected. Gemmi explained that while the financial figures were close, the structure of the deal—specifically whether it was a loan with an option or obligation to buy—proved to be a sticking point.

“We were not actually far away from an agreement on the figures, and the player was convinced too, but the formula was the big problem and that saw the whole operation collapse,” Gemmi said. He added that Napoli had also expressed interest and made a slightly higher offer, but discussions with the Naples-based club never reached the same level of detail as those with Lazio.

Fazzini, a 21-year-old Italy Under-21 international, reportedly preferred a move to Lazio over Napoli, believing he would have more playing opportunities in Rome. However, the transfer formula remained a hurdle for both clubs. “The issue was mainly the formula of the transfer, whether it was a loan with option or obligation,” Gemmi noted. “There are certainly technical issues both clubs needed to take care of and requirements for the balance sheet.”

Empoli president Fabrizio Corsi also weighed in, calling Lazio’s offer “unacceptable” and urging the Roman club to improve their bid. “I don’t close the doors to anyone, but if things are like this, I won’t sell the player,” Corsi told Il Corriere dello Sport. He revealed that the two clubs had held multiple rounds of negotiations but remained far apart on valuation.

Fazzini, a product of Empoli’s youth academy, has been a regular starter this season. He was left out of Empoli’s most recent Serie A match to allow him to “relax and decompress” amid the transfer speculation. Gemmi confirmed that the midfielder has since returned to training and is ready to continue with Empoli. “He is a great professional,” Gemmi said. “After two or three shaky days, he will get back on track.”

With the January transfer window still open, the possibility of renewed talks between Empoli and Lazio remains, though Gemmi admitted it is unlikely. Fazzini’s contract with Empoli runs until 2027, giving the club leverage in negotiations. For now, the young midfielder remains in Tuscany, with his future still uncertain.