Arsenal and Liverpool are being linked with Lazio firebrand Mauro Zarate.

Lazio boss Edy Reja said the 22-year-old "doesn't pass the ball much and needs to work for the team".

But his brother and agent Sergio snapped responded: "It is because he is so individualistic that Zarate has scored 30 goals in Italy, so I think he should be left in peace. I don't think Reja knows him yet and when he understands the quality of the player, he'll take all this back and will always put him in the starting XI.

"If Lazio feel that they do not need him, then that is very simple. We just need the coach to tell president Claudio Lotito and get him to rescind the contract. Mauro would love to stay at Lazio and respect his commitment to the club, as he is happy here." Whether on a free or not, Zarate is widely expected to leave Lazio in the summer. The Daily Mail says Arsenal and Liverpool are keen on the Argentine.