Brazil’s Flamengo has opened negotiations with Lazio to sign Argentine striker Valentín “Taty” Castellanos, 26, according to Brazilian media reports including ge and journalist Venê Casagrande. The talks are described as advanced, yet no formal agreement has been struck between the clubs. Lazio is believed to be asking between €35 million and €40 million ($38-44 million) for the forward, a price that could make the deal difficult. The Serie A side has signalled reluctance to sell after Castellanos delivered 14 goals and five assists in the recently concluded season. Castellanos has recorded 98 goals and 41 assists in 288 senior appearances, featuring for New York City FC and Girona before joining Lazio in 2023. He is best remembered for scoring four times in Girona’s 4–2 victory over Real Madrid and earned his first call-up to Argentina’s senior national team last year. Flamengo is seeking a striker with different attributes to current options Pedro and Juninho as new coach Filipe Luís reshapes the squad ahead of the 2025 Série A campaign.