Lazio have reportedly rejected a swap deal proposed by Bournemouth, who offered Alex Jimenez in return for Christos Mandas.
The Background
The Greek goalkeeper spent the second half of the season on loan at the Vitality Stadium, but didn’t make a single appearance, as Andoni Iraola kept faith in his first choice, Djordje Petrovic. Th Cherries have the option to buy the 24-year-old for €17.5 milion valid until June 15, but they’re unlikely to pay this figure for a backup shot-stopper.
Lazio Reject Bournemouth Offer to Swap Christos Mandas & Alex Jimenez
Earlier this week, reliable sources in the Italian media revealed that Bournemouth are trying to find a creative solution to keep Mandas but without spending a large sum. The Premier League club reportedly offered the services of former AC Milan full-back Jimenez in exchange for the goalkeeper. But according to Il Messaggero, Lazio quickly turned down the offer.
Gattuso Keen to Keep Mandas
As expected, the Biancocelesti weren’t enticed by the proposal, as Gennaro Gattuso intends to hand Mandas a starting role next season, while Ivan Provedel is set to make way. The experienced Italian goalkeeper is close to joining Inter Milan after finding an agreement on personal terms with the Serie A champions. Edoardo Motta is expected to stay at Lazio as Mandas’ understudy.
Why Lazio Don’t Want Alex Jimenez
Moreover, Jimenez is currently embroiled in legal trouble due to an alleged inappropriate conversation with a minor on social media. When the controversial first episode surfaced on the public scene last month, Bournemouth were quick to indefinitely suspend the 21-year-old. Therefore, Lazio surely wouldn’t want anything to do with the troubled Spaniard before his name is cleared.
