Barcelona are reportedly still interested in AC Milan star Alessio Romagnoli and will consider signing him on a free transfer next year.
According to a report from Transfer Market Web, Barcelona are keeping a close watch on the situation of AC Milan captain Alessio Romagnoli as they line up a Bosman move for him in the summer of 2022.
Romagnoli has been with Milan since the summer of 2015, when he arrived from AS Roma and has grown into a mainstay at San Siro, racking up 221 appearances, scoring nine goals and setting up two more. Such has his been rise that the 26-year-old was made the club captain by the Serie A outfit not very long ago.
However, Romagnoli endured an injury-riddled season last time out, which resulted in reduced game-time for the Italian international, while the arrival of Fikayo Tomori also meant that his minutes on the pitch took a hit. Heading into the new season, the defender now finds himself staring at an uncertain future due to his contract situation.
Romagnoli has entered the final year of his contract with AC Milan and talks over an extension have not been fruitful. The Rossoneri are unwilling to meet the player’s wage demands, leading to a standoff. And, Barcelona are keeping tabs on the entire situation with a wish to swoop for the centre-back.
Barcelona’s interest in Romagnoli is not something new. The Catalans have been linked with a move for the AC Milan star for quite some time now, and a move for the Italian makes a great deal of sense as well, considering the uncertain futures of Samuel Umtiti and Clement Lenglet while Gerard Pique is also in the final phase of his illustrious career at Camp Nou.
But, given the prevalent financial situation at the club, a move for the Italian international this summer would prove difficult for the Blaugrana. As a result, the Catalan giants are considering making a swoop for Romagnoli in the summer next year, when he would be available on a free transfer, much like the three of the four players that they have signed this summer in Sergio Aguero, Eric Garcia and Memphis Depay.
It now remains to be seen if Romagnoli and Milan are able to agree terms on a new deal or the contract standoff remains intact, allowing Barcelona to swoop him away from the Serie A heavyweights for nothing next year.
