Lazio has long been chasing Alessio Romagnoli, but they have not struck a deal with him yet, and Barcelona have begun eyeing him too. The Blaugrana are looking for a defender and could pounce at the opportunity to get one on a free, AS informs.
According to the Spanish outlet, his agent Mino Raiola is on good terms with president Joan Laporta. If the Catalans really stepped up their interest, he could be their second Bosman addition from Milan after Franck Kessié.
The Lazio bigwigs met with the entourage of Romagnoli ten days ago, but their offer was too low, so Barcelona and other suitors could still interject their talks. The Biancocelesti reportedly offered €2.2M per year. Instead, the center-back is requesting €3.3M plus add-ons. There have been further contacts after the summit.
After an injury, the defender returned among the Milan call-ups in the recent match at Stadio Olimpico. The Ultras of the home team were not present to protest against Claudio Lotito. Therefore, he did not receive any special welcome. The Curva had greeted him with some chants in previous games against the Rossoneri.
The defender took it to Instagram to personally dismiss a report. A newspaper wrote that he told a Biancocelesti fan: “If it were up to me, I would join tomorrow.” He retorted: “I do not comprehend how an outlet could make up a phrase like out of thin air and with no respect whatsoever.” Lazio will have to raise their bid to onboard Romagnoli and keep Barcelona at bay.