Southampton target Petar Ratkov appears increasingly set to leave Lazio this summer after less than a year in the Italian capital, as recent developments have given the Saints a significant boost in their pursuit of the Serbian international.

Ratkov, a Lazio striker, had planned to stay in Rome beyond the summer window, but according to Italian daily TUTTOmercato, he has become more open to the thought of leaving, with Southampton keenly following the situation.

Southampton will compete for the 23-year-old’s signature with Dinamo Moscow and Crvena zvezda, but they are hopeful of beating the Russian and Serbian clubs to the post.

Southampton could land a move for Lazio striker Petar Ratkov, following recent developments.

Ratkov, 23, rose through the ranks of Serbian club TSC Backla Topola, impressing in his own country and earning a move to RB Salzburg, the same club that has helped develop Erling Haaland, Benjamin Sesko, and Sadio Mané over the years.

During his time with the Austrian club, the striker made 99 appearances in all competitions, scoring 22 goals and assisting 15, before joining Lazio in January 2026 for about €13 million (£11.1 million) with add-ons.

Ratkov, on the other hand, has struggled since his move to Rome, making only nine appearances for Lazio and contributing one direct goal, with an early exit appearing increasingly inevitable.

The Serbian had previously rejected down a move to Hampshire in order to stay and fight for his place, but it is now clear that he will play no part under Gennaro Gattuso this season, opening the door to a move to Southampton.

Lazio are keen to sell, but whether Southampton will be willing to pay an eight-figure fee for the Serbian remains to be seen, but the Saints’ window of opportunity has opened.

Why does Southampton want Petar Ratkov?

Despite his problems since going to Italy, there is every reason to believe Ratkov may still be a success, especially with time on his side.

The Serbian may have taken a step too soon in Serie A, and while the Championship is far from easy, he has the physical qualities necessary of a centre-forward in England’s second division.

He will have to compete with Cyle Larin and Divin Mubama for a spot in Tonda Eckert’s starting lineup, since both players signed with the club this summer.

Petar Ratkov’s RB Salzburg statistics (all competitions)

Appearances

Goals

Assists

Yellow cards.

Lewis Dobbin, who has also come in recent months, can provide another option up top, but with Ben Brereton Diaz, Cameron Archer, and Damion Downs all due to depart before the deadline, the Saints will need more choices in the final third.

Southampton fans will be hoping he can follow in the footsteps of former RB Salzburg star Sadio Mane, as Ratkov, who has plenty of top-flight and European experience, has the potential to dominate the Championship.