Lazio president Claudio Lotito has now explained what is holding his Serie A side back from signing free agent Alessio Romagnoli, against interest from Fulham and Newcastle United.
AC Milan have released the centre-back after seven years at the San Siro after his contract expired on June 30. Romagnoli had joined the Rossoneri from Roma for €25m (£21m) plus add-ons in 2015, and progressed to become club captain and also made 247 appearances.
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But coach Stefano Pioli began to lose faith in the 27-year-old last season with Pierre Kalulu emerging as his preferred partner for Fikayo Tomori. Romagnoli would only feature in one of AC Milan’s last 11 top-flight games for nine minutes as the Rossoneri lifted the Scudetto.
Lazio are open to Romagnoli now returning to Rome, but the Stadio Olimpico outfit are not close to signing the 12-cap Italy international. Il Messaggero note the Biancocelesti are still some way away from meeting his demands, and also from paying what his agent requests.
Lazio chief explains delay in signing Romagnolo amid Fulham, Newcastle interest
The distance between Lazio, Romagnoli and the defender’s representative’s valuations are such that Lotito threatens to walk away from a deal. But talks are ongoing as he has given head coach Maurizio Sarri his word that two centre-halves will join their club this summer.
“I have a commitment with Sarri for two goalkeepers and two defenders,” Lotito declared, via quotes by Il Messaggero. “One centre-half has arrived, and the other will arrive… Under certain conditions, [Romagnoli] can stay at home.”
Lazio have already agreed a €7m (£6m) transfer, plus €3m (£2.5m) in add-ons, with Hellas Verona for Nicolo Casale. The Biancocelesti are also close to signing Mario Gila from Real Madrid for €6m (£5m). Two transfers that threaten to stop Romagnoli returning to Rome.
Fulham and Newcastle would also welcome Lotito reaffirming that Lazio will only advance their interest in Romagnoli based on the terms he and his agent seek. TuttoMercatoWEB note the Cottagers have already offered the Italian a contract of €4m-a-year (£65k-a/w).
Marco Silva is driving the west London outfit’s interest in Romagnoli after guiding Fulham to Premier League promotion. But the Portuguese faces competition from Eddie Howe’s Saudi-backed Newcastle, as SS Lazio News claim they, too, have offered him €4m-a-year.
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