Ogenyi Onazi is ready to work his socks off to win back his place in Lazio’s first team to help the Serie A side lift the Scudetto next season.
The Nigeria midfielder, who was reportedly approached by Turkish Super League champions Besiktas during the week struggled for Serie A starts last season.
But the 23-year-old is hoping to breathe a new life into his Lazio career under a new manager.
Former Argentina manager Marcelo Bielsa, who was scheduled to take over the reins at the Rome club on Saturday, stunned Lazio when he resigned his appointment on Friday .
The 60-year-old was named by Lazio on Wednesday as a replacement for Stefano Pioli, who was sacked in April.
According to Skysports, Lazio have threatened Bielsa with legal action after his shock decision sparked speculation that he could be appointed as Argentina’s new manager.
Onazi’s agent Stephen Makinwa made it clear in January that the player would consider a move from Stadio Olimpico if Biancocelesti could not guarantee him regular playing time.
The South Africa 2013 Africa Cup of Nations winner, who is valued at £7m, has been linked with Premier League sides Swansea, West ham and Sunderland, as well as Greek powerhouse Panathinaikos in the summer window transfer market.
However, reports in the Turkish media said Istanbul giants Besiktas had made a formal offer (undisclosed) to Lazio for Onazi. Besiktas, who will play in the UEFA Champions League next season, are on the market for a replacement for veteran Canadia enforcer Atiba Hutchinson, who ihas been linked a move to West Ham.
“The club (Besiktas) held a meeting with Lazio for Onazi. In the meeting, they presented a formal offer for the 23-year-old footballer,” Turkish outlet Fanatik said.
“After considering the proposal, the Italian team asked for time to respond.”
But the newly-wed Onazi, who has since resumed training for Lazio, said he was ready to fight his way into Bielsa’s team.
“I’m happy, I want to work with a coach to learn more about the game,” Lalaziosiamonoi.it quoted the player, who represented Nigeria at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, as saying.
“It is obvious that everyone wants to aim to win the Scudetto.”
It is however believed Onazi, whose contract with the Italian outfit runs until 2018, wants the new manager to unveil his plans before making his decision whether to accept Besiktas’ offer.
The player made 19 appearances for the White and Blues last term.
Source: Punch
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