Striker Burak Yilmaz, a reported option for Liverpool and Arsenal, is not heading to Lazio despite reports claiming otherwise.
It had been claimed over the weekend that Burak Yilmaz could be about to make a sensational switch from Galatasaray to Lazio.
The Turkish striker scored 24 goals in the Turkish Super Liga last season, and eight in the Champions League - solidfying his burgeoning reputation as one of Europe's most talented strikers.
Yilmaz had previously been linked with Liverpool, and more recently in light of Luis Suarez potential exit talk, and even discussed in recent days as a possibility for Arsenal in their pursuit of a new striker.The 28-year-old cost the club just £4.4 million a season earlier, making him one of the best signings of 2012/13.
This option appeared to be snatched away from them over the weekend with reports from Italy claiming Serie A side Lazio had agreed a £20 million fee for him.
However it has since been reported that Lazio offered to take Yilmaz on loan, paying around £9 million after the season.
A bizarre offer, one which Galatasaray have since dismissed out of hand describing it as 'funny'.
In fact their president has insisted Yilmaz is, as is a theme among in-demand strikers around Europe, not for sale.
Unal Aysal told Turkish newspaper Hurriyet: "Burak is one of the most valuable player of our team and we need him. He scored eight goals last season in Champions League, thank you for offer, but we won't consider about it, because the offer was a little bit funny."
It's hardly surprising considering the offer, just as it is no surprise that Yilmaz is attracting the attentions of clubs around Europe.
Galatasaray's resolved may yet be tested further with bigger offers over the coming fortnight, but we would remain surprised if they sold, considering the project they are trying to build - having reached the quarter-finals of last season's Champions League and adding Didier Drogba and Wesley Sneijder to the squad.
Would you want Yilmaz at your club? Could a deal happen?
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