The players’ agent has repeatedly warned time is running out to make the loan move from Al-Sadd permanent and Lotito is engaged in talks with the Qatar side today.

“I tell the Lazio fans that everything is going as it should have and you’ll see in a few months who Zarate is playing for,” the patron told Laziosiamonoi.it.

“I always maintain my promises. I cannot give any official announcements, as otherwise that would complicate the negotiation process, but I tell the fans that it’s all going extremely well.”

There are reports he has agreed to snap up the striker for £16m to be paid over a two-year period.

In addition to the £3.6m it took to take the 21-year-old on loan for this season, the total cost of capturing Zarate will end up at nearly £20m.