Lazio have reportedly named a substantial €40million price tag on their headline performer Luis Alberto amid growing interest from Milan. As reported by Tuttosport (via MilanNews), the Rossoneri are lining up a summer swoop for the Spaniard to replace Hakan Calhanoglu.
Alberto has been an always-present figure at the Stadio Olimpico since switching from Liverpool in 2016. The 28-year-old was a beating heart of Simone Inzaghi’s team over the past five years. But the arrival of Maurizio Sarri could have a bad influence on his indispensable status in the capital.
The former Napoli boss encourages a 4-3-3 formation, which could see Alberto struggle to find his place in the team. The highly-rated playmaker has experienced a stellar few seasons performing behind Ciro Immobile, and adapting to a new tactical set-up could deter him from staying in Rome.
Even though he is a technically gifted player with a keen eye for goal, Alberto lacks the pace to play on the wing. The ex-Sevilla youth academy graduate enjoys playing in a more central position, preferably behind the strikers. Milan could offer him such prospect in the wake of Calhanoglu’s departure for Inter.
The Rossoneri are on the lookout for a proven playmaker to succeed the Turk in Stefano Pioli’s 4-2-3-1 set-up, and Alberto perfectly fits the bill. The Spaniard has established himself as one of the finest attacking midfielders in Serie A during his illustrious five-year spell at Lazio. Only last season, he clocked up nine goals and a pair of assists in 34 league appearances.
Well aware of Alberto’s importance to the team, the Biancocelesti have pinned a €40m price tag on the playmaker’s head. Milan are reportedly considering bringing down the price by inserting out-of-favor defender Alessio Romagnoli as a counterpart in a deal.