Lazio are growing increasingly confident of completing a deal for Brighton & Hove Albion defender Diego Coppola, with Italian reports suggesting negotiations have become the most advanced among the club's current transfer pursuits.
The Serie A side are actively looking to strengthen their defence this summer and have identified the 22-year-old as a key target as they reshape the squad ahead of the new campaign.
According to Gazzetta dello Sport, discussions with both the player and Brighton are progressing positively, creating optimism that an agreement could be reached sooner rather than later.
Lazio prioritising defensive rebuild
Strengthening central defence has become one of Lazio's major objectives this summer.
The club are evaluating several options, but Coppola has emerged as one of the most realistic and attainable targets currently under consideration.
Reports from Italy indicate negotiations surrounding the Brighton defender are now the most advanced of Lazio's ongoing transfer discussions.
That progress has been helped by positive talks with the player's representatives.
A broad agreement is reportedly already in place regarding personal terms, with Lazio prepared to offer a five-year contract worth approximately €1.5 million per season, with increases built into the deal over time.
Those discussions appear to have removed one of the major obstacles to a transfer.
Brighton talks focused on loan structure
The remaining negotiations centre on an agreement with Brighton.
Rather than pursuing a straightforward permanent transfer, Lazio are attempting to structure the move as an initial loan with a mandatory purchase obligation.
According to the report, the purchase clause would be worth between €11 million and €12 million.
Lazio would prefer to reduce that figure slightly but are not expected to push aggressively in negotiations.
In fact, the report suggests club officials believe the current valuation is reasonable enough to avoid prolonged discussions.
That approach is helping maintain positive momentum between the parties.
Deal could suit both clubs
From Brighton’s perspective, the proposed structure appears logical.
The Seagulls signed Coppola for around €11 million last summer before allowing him to continue his development away from the first team.
If the reported figures are accurate, Brighton would effectively recover their original investment while creating space within their squad for other defensive options.
Having followed Brighton’s recruitment model in recent years, the club have consistently demonstrated a willingness to make pragmatic decisions when opportunities arise to balance squad planning and financial efficiency.
For Lazio, meanwhile, securing a player currently valued above the proposed fee would represent excellent value.
| Diego Coppola Transfer Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Current Club | Brighton & Hove Albion |
| Interested Club | Lazio |
| Proposed Structure | Loan with obligation to buy |
| Expected Fee | €11m-€12m |
| Transfermarkt Value | €18m |
Source: Italian media reports – 23 June 2026
The difference between the reported fee and his market valuation is one reason why Lazio believe they are negotiating from a strong position.
Confidence growing in Rome
The overall tone emerging from Italy is increasingly optimistic.
Lazio are reportedly satisfied with the progress made on personal terms and believe Brighton are not seeking to complicate negotiations unnecessarily.
That combination has created confidence that an agreement can eventually be reached without major obstacles.
However, it remains too early to consider the transfer complete. Final details still need to be agreed and formal documentation remains outstanding.
Key Points
- Lazio are pushing to sign Brighton defender Diego Coppola.
- Negotiations are reportedly the most advanced among Lazio's current targets.
- Personal terms are broadly agreed.
- Lazio want a loan deal with a mandatory purchase clause.
- Brighton are expected to receive around €11m-€12m.
- Both clubs are believed to be comfortable with the current framework.
What’s Next?
The focus will now shift towards finalising the structure of the agreement and completing the remaining contractual details. Lazio appear eager to conclude negotiations quickly as they continue rebuilding their defensive unit for next season.
Brighton, meanwhile, must decide whether the proposed terms fully satisfy their valuation. Given the positive mood surrounding discussions, there is growing belief in Italy that a resolution could arrive in the near future.
Would Diego Coppola be a good addition for Lazio, or should the Italian club pursue a more experienced centre-back this summer?
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