Lazio are reportedly closing in on signing outgoing Milan captain Alessio Romagnoli on a free transfer at the end of the season. According to Calciomercato, the Biancocelesti have opened discussions with the defender’s representatives after extension talks with the Rossoneri hit a stalemate.
Romagnoli has entered the final couple of months of his contract at the San Siro. Though the 27-year-old was leaning towards extending his deal, Milan have refused to meet his wage demands. The Rossoneri are reportedly unwilling to go beyond their initial offer of €2.8m per year.
However, Romagnoli has already deemed the club’s opening bid insufficient. Since Milan have no intention of increasing their offer, the Italian centre-back could be waving goodbye to Lombardy after seven years.
Lazio are ready to swoop in and bring the ex-Roma star back to the Stadio Olimpico in the upcoming transfer window. Talks between the parties are well underway, with the Biancocelesti identifying Milan’s long-serving stalwart as a perfect long-term replacement for wantaway Luiz Felipe.
Like Romagnoli, Felipe will become a free agent in the summer after turning down Lazio’s bid to extend his stay in the nation’s capital. Several clubs, including Inter and Real Betis, are keen to sign the Brazilian.
Felipe’s imminent departure threatens to leave head coach Maurizio Sarri short of reliable options at the back, and Romagnoli could fill the void. The Italian star will be part of Stefano Pioli’s matchday squad when Milan take on Lazio in Saturday’s Serie A top-six six-pointer.
But Romagnoli has lost his place in the starting XI and is unlikely to be handed a rare start in such a significant game for Milan. Indeed, Pierre Kalulu and Fikayo Tomori should forge a defensive partnership that has been rock-solid in recent Serie A action.