Lazio have quickly concluded their search for a new defender after the injury suffered by Luiz Felipe as they are one step away from completing the acquisition of Mateo Musacchio from Milan, local newspaper Il Messaggero and transfer market expert Gianluca Di Marzio confirm.
The negotiation was born and concluded quickly thanks to the good relationship between the two club. The Argentinian defender picked the Biancocelesti over Parma and the other minnows that were targeting him. He is set to fly to Rome shortly to take the medicals and should be available for Sunday’s clash with Atalanta. He will pen a six-month, €700k contract with two more optional season, the outlet reports.
The two sides are discussing the formula of the transfer as Lazio asked for the player to be released outright since he is on an expiring contract – like Pepe Reina in September – while Milan would like a minimal fee. However, the parties are working to find a solution soon.
Musacchio suffered a major ankle injury in June and returned on the pitch only in January. The Rossoneri have clearly moved on from him with the recent signing of Fikayo Tomori and also Pierre Kalulu got minutes over him in recent contests.
Musacchio will leave Milan after three-and-a-half season, where he has collected 75 appearances and scored twice. At Lazio, he will compete with Patric to play on the right-hand side of the defense, filling the void opened by Luiz Felipe, who is expected to miss up to two months following ankle surgery.