Milan have reportedly reignited their interest in wantaway Lazio playmaker Luis Alberto, who could be on his way out of the Stadio Olimpico in the summer. According to La Gazzetta dello Sport (via MilanNews), the Rossoneri are giving serious thought to the prospect of purchasing the Spaniard to address their creative woes.
Lazio have only recently tied Alberto down to a new contract following a tumultuous summer packed with speculations about the 29-year-old’s exit. Milan were amongst the clubs interested in acquiring the services of an illustrious advanced midfielder in light of Hakan Calhanoglu’s decision to move to Inter.
However, the deal fell through as the current Serie A table-toppers were reluctant to meet Lazio’s asking price for their standout performer. The Biancocelesti still have every intention to make a substantial profit on Alberto’s potential departure. They have reportedly pinned a €30-35m price tag on the Spanish star’s head.
Lazio boss Maurizio Sarri is said to be keen on overhauling his squad at the end of the season regardless of how their fierce battle for European qualification pans out. Since the Biancocelsti are working on a tight budget, they will likely have to offload some high-profile first-team players to fund Sarri’s spending spree.
Sergej Milinkovic-Savic, who has a host of suitors across Europe, has emerged as the likeliest candidate to obtain Lazio fresh funds in the summer. Alberto could follow the in-demand Serbian midfielder through the Stadio Olimpico exit door, with Milan apparently waiting in the wings.
The ex-Liverpool flop has tallied four goals and nine assists in 38 competitive appearances this season. Alberto’s playmaking skills have been off the charts in Serie A over the past couple of years, and Milan would benefit from his ability to distribute the ball around the pitch with precision and purpose.
However, it remains to be seen whether Milan would be able to meet Lazio’s requests this time around.