Lazio could be at risk of losing long-serving stalwart Luis Alberto to free-spending Saudi Pro League giants Al-Nassr. According to Corriere dello Sport (via La Lazio Siamo Noi), the Spaniard’s contract standstill at the Stadio Olimpico has reinforced the Saudis’ hopes of luring him away from Serie A.
Down to the final two years of his contract, Alberto has urged Lazio to hand him an improved new deal. However, talks have reached an impasse, leaving the 30-year-old playmaker fuming. Frustration boiled over when the ex-Sevilla man refused to show up for a pre-season friendly against Aston Villa last month.
Though he has since returned to the fold, Alberto is still annoyed by the lack of progress in ongoing renewal talks. Lazio, for their part, consider their most creative forward unsellable. Alongside Ciro Immobile, he has been the team’s driving attacking force in recent years.
Alberto’s technical and tactical prowess was crucial to Maurizio Sarri’s side last season. He tallied six goals and seven assists to help Lazio secure a runner-up finish in Serie A against the odds. Rewarding him with a new contract would be a fitting way to show gratitude.
But a highly anticipated renewal is still up in the air. Al-Nassr wouldn’t mind covering Alberto in gold to attract him to join Cristiano Ronaldo, Sadio Mane, and Marcelo Brozovic. Yet, the player is in love with Lazio despite stalled negotiations with the Olimpico powerbrokers.
Lazio would be wise to step up talks to avoid further complications.
 |
Follow us on Google News for more updates on Serie A and Italian football |