Milan and Barcelona negotiate swap deal involving two defenders – originally posted on Sportslens.com
AC Milan and Barcelona are reportedly working on swapping defenders this summer, with Alessio Romagnoli and Junior Firpo the subject of negotiations.
As reported by MundoDeportivo, the Rossoneri are ready to offload another client of Mino Raiola as they look to cut ties with club captain Romagnoli in the wake of the Italian’s disappointing season.
The super-agent recently prevented Milan from extending Gianluigi Donnarumma’s contract, which has infuriated Paolo Maldini and co.
The Lombard giants are now working on freeing the squad from Raiola’s clients, and Romagnoli could fall victim to the new club policy.
Milan are on the lookout for a left-back to provide cover for indispensable starter Theo Hernandez, and they like Firpo’s profile.
The 21-year-old arrived at Camp Nou from Real Betis in summer 2019 for a reported fee of €18 million, but he has failed to secure regular first-team action ahead of Jordi Alba.
Milan’s interest in Firpo dates back to last summer when Maldini and Frederic Massara tried to take the Spaniard to the San Siro but struggled to reach an agreement with Barca.
Things could change this time around as the Rossoneri hope to facilitate the left-back’s arrival by offering Romagnoli’s services in return.
The Catalan giants are in the market for a centre-back to replace underperforming Clement Legnlet and injury-prone Samuel Umtiti.
Despite landing Eric Garcia from Manchester City earlier this month, Ronald Koeman wants a proven defender to partner Gerard Pique in his backline.
If the La Liga club turns down the idea of bringing in Romagnoli, Milan will attempt to sign Firpo on a season-long loan with a mandatory buying option.
However, the Rossoneri will face stiff competition from Southampton and West Ham United for the Dominican Republic native’s signature.
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Author:markovrakela