Arsenal and Spurs dealt blow as freescoring midfieler to commit future at Lazio

Lazio are set to open talks with Brazilian midfielder Hernanes to try and keep him at the Stadio Olimpico and out of reach of Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur, according to The Daily Star.

Hernanes’ contract expires in the summer and the Italian giants are trying to keep the north London clubs at bay.

In his three years at the club, the 28-year-old has impressed constantly, even scoring 37 goals in 132 games. He joined Lazio from Sao Paolo in 2010 for around £9 million and hasn’t looked back since.

There were rumours that the Brazilian player maker was not willing to extend his current with Paris Saint-Germain prowling around Hernanes.

However Lazio President Claudio Lotito has confirmed that talks over a new deal will take place soon.

“We have a meeting regarding the contract of Hernanes pencilled in for the next few weeks,” he said.

“Am I hopeful? I’m used to dealing with facts. I don’t bandage up my head before breaking it.”

Hernanes was once heralded by FourFourTwo magazine to become the first £100 million player after Manchester City’s enormous rumoured bid for Kaka hit the press several years ago.