Milan have reportedly added Lazio stalwart Francesco Acerbi to their list of defensive targets heading into the January transfer window. As reported by Italian journalist Enrico Camelio to CMIT TV (via LazioNews24), the Rossoneri have approached the Stadio Olimpico outfit to enquire about the defender’s availability.
Milan are on the lookout for a new center-back to fill the void left by Simon Kjaer’s long-term injury. The Dane has suffered a season-ending ligament injury and is unlikely to feature for the Rossoneri anytime soon after undergoing surgery earlier in December.
The 32-year-old has been an integral part of Stefano Pioli’s backline and replacing him would be a daunting task. Underperforming captain Alessio Romagnoli has clawed his way back into the starting line-up on the back of Kjaer’s injury. However, the Italian has failed to live up to expectations and could soon wave goodbye to the San Siro.
Romagnoli has around six months remaining on his current contract, with Milan reluctant to offer him a new deal as part of the club’s bid to sever ties with all Mino Raiola’s clients. But the 26-year-old may not even last until the summer as the seven-time European champions look to use him in a like-for-like swap deal.
Milan consider landing Acerbi by sending Romagnoli in the opposite direction in the January transfer window. Still, this piece of news should be taken with a grain of salt, especially considering Alessio’s previous ties with Roma. The center-back came through the ranks at the Giallorossi before moving to the San Siro in 2015.
Therefore, it’s somewhat unexpected Lazio would welcome the former arch-nemesis.
In the meantime, Acerbi experienced an unpleasant, brief spell at Milan back in 2012/13. The 33-year-old’s previous stint at the club was highlighted by an emotional crisis triggered by the death of his father. It ultimately resulted in the Rossoneri offloading him to Genoa.