Reports from Italy this morning claim that Italian international Alessio Romagnoli – currently a free agent following his release by AC Milan – has grown frustrated with Lazio’s failure to put together an acceptable offer for his services and is ready to enter advanced negotiations with Fulham.
The 27 year-old centre back had been expected to join his boyhood club after leaving Milan and was willing to reject a ‘massive’ offer from Fulham in order sign for I Biancocelesti. Last week, the Italian press widely trailed a briefing from Romagnoli’s representatives that they had been given a deadline to present a proposal that would meet with the defender’s approval. Romagnoli reportedly cancelled a flight to London, where he was due to discuss the specifics of a move to Fulham, in order to hear Lazio president Claudio Lotito’s latest offer – but was left distinctly unimpressed.
Various Italian sources have suggested that Fulham’s offer amounts to £4m over a four-year deal, whilst Lazio’s counter proposal is said to represent only half that. Romagnoli was desperate to play for Lazio at the Stadio Olimpico – having come through the Roma youth set up as a fan of their bitter rivals – but he is not willing to countenance a deal that is rumoured to be lower than Milan’s offer earlier this year to extend his stay at the Giuseppe Meazza.
Fulham – eager to recruit central defensive reinforcements to Marco Silva’s squad ahead of their return to the top flight – made their first approach in March and Romagnoli is thought to be attracted to the idea of playing in the Premier League. Signing an experienced international, who has made 247 Serie A appearances and lifted the Scudetto in May, would represent a real coup for the Cottagers, but there is still some way to go conclude any deal. Lazio may return with an increased offer and the Whites could yet be gazumped by a number of leading continental clubs, who are all seeking new centre backs.
Hope this not simply Italian Press Using the Fulham Option as way to put pressure on Lazio .. Getting Romagnoli would be real coup for us … Keep it going TK Silva Morte & Co
Ditto to comment no 1 we are desperate to sign a good centre back to play alongside Tosin and we will struggle to stay in the premiership otherwise and repeat being a go-to team.
Totally agree: this lad looks awesome, and just what we need. I’m beginning to get excited about the new season. A big ‘hats off’ to Marco and Boa, and also to TK (there, I said it!!!). The management at Fulham are appearing to be ‘working together’ at last. Premiership survival is looking so much more likely now COYW
It’s good that we are looking at other options but Romagnoli would be a great coup, strong and experienced CB, he would be a contender a leader to captain the side despite language difficulties although actions speak louder than words on the pitch. I am hopeful this goes through, a situation like this emphasises the difficulty signing real quality players. A case of continue to watch this space with fingers crossed.
Here’s hoping as we really need a good centre back or 2 I think he would be a great signing so fingers crossed.
This would definitely be the icing on the cake. Might make other quality players take notice and want to look at us