Transfer Rumour: Real Madrid shift focus to Alessio Romagnoli

Real Madrid have reportedly shifted their attention towards Alessio Romagnoli after facing failure in pursuit of his AC Milan teammate Leonardo Bonucci.

If a report from Spanish publication Ok Diario is to be believed, Real Madrid have had a slight change in their summer plans. Leonardo Bonucci seems to have settled in well, finally, at AC Milan, which has seen Los Blancos now shift their attention to his teammate Alessio Romagnoli.

Leonardo Bonucci had a tough time at the beginning of his AC Milan journey but has since bounced back well, especially with Gennaro Gattuso’s appointment breathing new life into the Rossoneri squad. Their defence has been airtight in recent weeks, with Bonucci leading from the front.

The Italian was one of the many players on Real Madrid’s radar as an option to solidify their defence come summer. But, the AC Milan star has recently expressed his happiness and desire to stay put and grow with the team, while talking to Sky Sports, which dampens Los Blancos‘ chances of securing a deal for the former Juventus man.

Real Madrid though, are now plotting a summer move for his teammate Alessio Romagnoli, who has been equally impressive, if not more, at the back for AC Milan. The 23-year-old has struck a good partnership with Bonucci in central defence and is one of the first names on the team sheet.

While Bonucci is a master of the trade and a veteran, Romagnoli has also shown similar traits when defending the Rossoneri goal. Comparably, Romagnoli seems to fit the profile of players Florentino Perez has targeted recently, evidence being Real Madrid’s recent transfer business.

At 23, Romagnoli is already an Italian international and with the national team set for a rebuilding job, chances are the AC Milan star could find himself being one of the focal points of the squad to take the Azzurri flag further.

Bonucci is already 30 and even if Real Madrid do manage to persuade the defender to move clubs in the summer, he would only be a short-term solution to their defensive problems, contrary to what the pursuit of Romagnoli might produce.

As far as experience is concerned, Romagnoli has been a regular at the back for AC Milan, who despite their recent downturn in fortunes, are still regarded as one of the biggest clubs in world football. Thus, the 23-year-old would not find himself overwhelmed by his surroundings at Real Madrid, should he sign for the defending European champions.

A deal that largely depends on who is incharge at Real Madrid in the summer and whether they are able to land their priority targets.