<p>The Serie A side are understood to be willing to listen to offers in the region of €15m to €18m for the Super Eagles player, who joined permanently from Hatayspor in early 2025 after an initial loan spell.</p>
<p>While Lazio initially resisted bids in January due to squad depth concerns, their stance has softened as they look to reshape their midfield.<br>Italian journalist <a href=”https://x.com/lorenzooleporee/status/2046315029356499046″>Lorenzo Lepore </a>reports that Lazio have identified Arne Engels as a leading replacement. </p>
<p>The Belgian midfielder, currently at Celtic, has impressed this season with his energy and versatility. Lazio had already made contact with Engels earlier in the year, but any serious move is expected to depend on Dele-Bashiru’s departure.</p>
<figure class=”wp-block-image size-full”><img decoding=”async” width=”4866″ height=”3244″ src=”https://www.afrik-foot.com/en-ng/thumbor/z7FwHbh3Elb1kBqNp5b006dogSg=/4866×3244/smart/filters:format(webp)/https%3A%2F%2Fmedia.afrik-foot.com%2Fen-ng%2F2026%2F04%2Fimago1076405849.jpg” alt=”Nigeria and Lazio midfielder Fisayo Dele-Bashiru” class=”wp-image-912748″/><figcaption class=”wp-element-caption”>Nigeria and Lazio midfielder Fisayo Dele-Bashiru. Copyright: xCanonieroxImago</figcaption></figure>
<p>Engels, 22, has made 40 appearances across all competitions this season, contributing five goals and seven assists. Known for his box-to-box role, he fits the profile Lazio are seeking as they try to fill the gap left by Matteo Guendouzi, whose exit has altered the balance of the midfield under manager Maurizio Sarri.</p>
<p>However, Lazio are not alone in their interest. Nottingham Forest remain keen on Engels after seeing a €25m bid rejected in January, and they could return with a fresh offer. This means Lazio may need to act quickly if they want to secure their target.</p>
<h2 class=”wp-block-heading”>Interest grows in Dele-Bashiru</h2>
<p>Dele-Bashiru’s time in Rome has been mixed. He showed early promise, especially in European competition. During the 2024/25 UEFA Europa League campaign, he scored twice and provided two assists in eight matches, including a goal on his debut.</p>
<p>In Serie A, however, consistency has been harder to find. During the current 2025/26 season, he has made 19 league appearances but is yet to register a goal or an assist. Much of his playing time has come from the bench, as he continues to adapt to Sarri’s tactical demands.</p>
<figure class=”wp-block-image size-full”><img decoding=”async” width=”4200″ height=”2800″ src=”https://www.afrik-foot.com/en-ng/thumbor/QEMNImjBDABwpVR8WejycYkrWF4=/4200×2800/smart/filters:format(webp)/https%3A%2F%2Fmedia.afrik-foot.com%2Fen-ng%2F2026%2F04%2Fimago1076477981.jpg” alt=”Nigeria and Lazio midfielder Fisayo Dele-Bashiru” class=”wp-image-912747″/><figcaption class=”wp-element-caption”>Nigeria and Lazio midfielder Fisayo Dele-Bashiru. Copyright; EmanuelexPennacchio IMAGO</figcaption></figure>
<p>The Nigerian international has still made important contributions in cup competitions. In the Coppa Italia, he scored a key goal against Atalanta to help Lazio reach the final.</p>
<p>Despite these flashes, Lazio appear ready to move on. Several clubs are monitoring his situation, including AFC Bournemouth, West Bromwich Albion, Trabzonspor and Sunderland AFC. Nottingham Forest have also held talks over a possible deal.</p>
<p>Dele-Bashiru will jump at the chance to play in the Premier League having failed to make the jump from the Championship before leaving England.</p>
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