Aston Villa are reportedly locked in a battle with Newcastle United in the race to sign Alessio Romagnoli, who is available on a free transfer this summer.
According to the print edition of Corriere Dello Sport, as relayed by Tutto Mercato Web, the Premier League has surfaced as a possible destination for AC Milan defender Alessio Romagnoli, with Newcastle United and Aston Villa expressing interest in competing with Lazio for his signature.
The 27-year-old Italian international will see his contract expire on June 30, 2022 and has already made it clear that he will not renew his deal with the Rossoneri. For months now, Lazio have been understood to be the front-runner to capture the Serie A winner.
The Biancocelesti have been locked in constructive talks with the player’s representatives, and the move to Lazio seemed a foregone conclusion for Romagnoli just a few days ago, with the former AS Roma defender keen on moving back to Rome.
The reality, however, appears to be that Romagnoli is studying all proposals on the table from suitors ahead of making a decision. And despite Lazio offering a €2.8 million-a-season package, they face stiff competition from English clubs Newcastle United and Aston Villa, who are very keen on getting their hands on him and can offer lucrative terms to entice the defender to the Premier League.
The 27-year-old has been a loyal servant for Milan since joining them from AS Roma in August 2015. Romagnoli has built a strong reputation for being a leader at the back with his no-nonsense displays, making almost 250 competitive appearances and has been the club captain since 2018, taking over the role following Leonardo Bonucci’s move to Juventus.
Last season, he lifted the Serie A trophy as AC Milan pipped Inter Milan to the title. However, he only made 26 appearances across all competitions and was a bit-part player thanks to his niggling injury issues. Romagnoli is now set to leave on a free transfer after an agreement with the Rossoneri could not be found due to financial differences.
It is easy to understand why so many English clubs, including Chelsea, Newcastle United, and Aston Villa, are interested in securing his services. The 27-year-old is a steady, experienced head and would be a fantastic addition on a Bosman move. The Italian international comes in the bracket of no-brainer signings.
Newcastle, for one, are prepared to offer him a deal worth €4 million per year to lure him to St. James’ Park. Romagnoli would fit the profile Newcastle are looking for so eagerly this summer and would provide a far more cost-effective option for them, compared to some of the other options they have targeted in recent times, notably Sven Botman and Benoit Badiashile.
As for Aston Villa, they have already added some steel to his defensive core by signing the likes of Boubacar Kamara and Diego Carlos. But considering Ezri Konsa has been ruled out for up to 16 weeks after suffering a knee injury, they can do well by signing someone with quality and composure in Romagnoli. It remains to be seen where the 27-year-old Italian international will ply his trade next season.
