A long-running saga involving Alessio Romagnoli’s future at Milan is nearing its conclusion after the Rossoneri stepped up their efforts to renew his contract. According to SempreMilan, Stefano Pioli’s men have made concrete steps to outbid Lazio and tie their long-serving captain down to a new deal.
Romagnoli’s long-term future at Milan has been up in the air ever since the Rossoneri decided to cut ties with Mino Raiola’s clients. However, the club’s decision to offload Raiola’s client stable may not refer to the 27-year-old, who has been the heart and soul of this squad over the past seven years.
Indeed, the Italian defender has grown into a significant figure within the San Siro dressing room. In addition to his off-field qualities, Romagnoli’s leadership skills have often been off the charts at Milan, even after the arrivals of Simon Kjaer and Zlatan Ibrahimovic.
Unfortunately, Romagnoli has lost his place in Pioli’s starting XI this season following Fikayo Tomori’s rise to prominence and the emergence of Pierre Kalulu. A lack of regular first-team football has prompted the former Roma star to contemplate his future at Milan.
Aware of the centre-back’s situation in Lombardy, Lazio have added him to their shopping list ahead of the summer transfer window. The Biancocelesti are on the verge of losing Felipe Luiz and Patric as both players have refused to commit to fresh terms at the Stadio Olimpico.
Lazio have prepared a €3m-a-year wage package to lure Romagnoli back to the capital as part of their bid to strengthen their backline in the summer. But Milan are now willing to beat their fellow Serie A rivals’ offer by tabling a €3.2m-a-year salary to their captain to convince him to pledge his future to San Siro.
It is now up to the player to decide whether he wants to stay and fight his way back into Pioli’s starting XI or leave for a guaranteed starting berth at Lazio.