Flamengo defender is in Juventus' sights, says journalist

Lazio has once again ruled out any possibility of negotiations involving Valentín "Taty" Castellanos and Flamengo . According to Italian journalist Ilario Di Giovambattista, the Roman club's board has no intention of giving up a player considered a starter in this transfer window.

Flamengo 's interest in the Argentine striker has been ongoing for weeks, turning into a soap opera in the transfer market. Despite the player's insistence on reaching an agreement, Italian officials have not signaled any change of heart.

ATTACKER PLANS MEETING

According to reports in the Italian press, Castellanos has scheduled a meeting with the president of Lazio for next week. The goal is to try to persuade the president and reinforce his desire to move to Brazilian football.

Even so, with an estimated value of €35 million , the Italian club is not currently willing to negotiate with Flamengo . The transfer window in Italy is already closed, making it difficult to immediately replace the player.

IMPORTANCE OF CASTELLANOS

Internally, Castellanos is considered an important member of the squad , which increases resistance to his departure. The Argentine's performance last season was evaluated positively, reinforcing Lazio's desire to keep him.

Flamengo may return to play a match at Pacaembu Stadium after almost eight years. According to the arena's CEO, Eduardo Barella, there is interest from both parties in having the Rubro-Negro play at the stadium this season.

" There is not only the possibility (of Flamengo playing at Pacaembu) , but there is now a desire already expressed by President Bap and also by us. We have already made contact with Flamengo shortly after his statement here at the city hall, and we want to be able to host Flamengo at Mercado Livre Arena Pacaembu this year," declared Barella.

FLAMENGO HAD ALREADY SHOWN INTEREST

In early 2025, president Bap had already signaled his intention to host a Rio de Janeiro club match at Pacaembu Stadium. In a meeting with São Paulo Governor Tarcísio Freitas and Mayor Ricardo Nunes, he stated that it would be an "honor" to play at the venue.

Flamengo's last match at the stadium was on October 22, 2017 , when they lost 2-0 to São Paulo in a Brazilian Championship match. Therefore, Flamengo can return to the stadium to seek another victory.

REFORM MODERNIZED AND REDUCED CAPACITY

Pacaembu Stadium was reopened in January of this year, during the final of the São Paulo Junior Football Cup between Corinthians and São Paulo, after four and a half years of construction and some delays. Among the main changes are the sale of naming rights to Mercado Livre, the demolition of the historic water slide to build a hotel , the reduction in capacity from 40,000 to 25,500 seats, and the installation of synthetic turf.

After beating Mirassol 2-1 in the Brazilian Championship , Flamengo turns its attention to the duel against Internacional, this Wednesday (13), at 9:30 pm (Brasília time), at Maracanã. The match marks the first leg of the round of 16 of the Copa Libertadores and is expected to bring more than 60 thousand fans to the stadium.

Currently, only the South Sector, Level 2, has tickets available. Full tickets cost R$140 and half-price tickets cost R$70. Members receive discounts , and the Nação Maraca 1 plan guarantees tickets for R$35.

TICKET SALES

North: R$ 160 (half R$ 80) – Sold out

South: R$ 140 (half R$ 70) – Available

Upper East: R$ 180 (half R$ 90) – Sold out

Lower East: R$200 (half R$100) – Sold out

Lower West: R$200 (half R$100) – Sold out

Maracanã Plus: R$600 (half-price R$337.50) – Sold out

FLAMEMGO REPRESENTS ITSELF

After the victory over Mirassol and a Sunday off, the red-black squad returned to work this Monday (11) , at CT Ninho do Urubu. Under the command of Filipe Luís , the athletes trained in the morning with full attention in preparation for the knockout clash at Maracanã.

This Wednesday's match will be crucial for Flamengo to secure a strong result before the return leg in Porto Alegre. The support of the fans at Maracanã will be a key asset for the team to achieve its goal of remaining in contention for the continental title.