According to the Daily Mail, new Chelsea boss Maurizio Sarri wants to move for AC Milan’s defensive duo, Alessio Romagnoli and Mattia Caldara, in January.
What’s the story?
Sarri has made a strong start to life at the helm at Stamford Bridge, but is thought to wish to strengthen his defensive contingent further at the earliest opportunity, with Romagnoli a top target, according to the aforementioned report.
Romagnoli joined the Serie A giants in a five-year deal from Roma in the summer transfer window of 2015. Since then, the centre-back has been a regular fixture in the first team at the San Siro. Before long, the 23-year-old’s impressive performances for the Rossoneri earned him a call up for the Italian national side.
It’s easy to see why Sarri would be so keen to bring Romagnoli to the Premier League. He should not be allowed to so unchallenged though. New Arsenal manager Unai Emery would be wise to try and tempt the Italian centre-back to the Emirates Stadium instead.
The perfect solution
Having invested heavily in their attacking contingent in recent years, Arsenal must now look to solidify their defence if they are to ever return to the top table of European competition. Romagnoli would be the perfect candidate to come in and upgrade the Arsenal rearguard, and he looks to be the perfect long-term successor for Laurent Koscielny.
Emery favours defenders who are comfortable in possession and can distribute the ball well from the back. Romagnoli’s ability to launch counterattacks, or maintain possession for his side even when under pressure, are both attributes that the Spanish coach values highly.
Beyond that, Romagnoli is a top class defender. Tough and well timed in the tackle, strong in the air, authoritative and a smart reader of the game; the Milan man would certainly represent an upgrade on Shkodran Mustafi.
At his age, Romagnoli is also a very wise investment with the future in mind and should form the lynchpin around which the new Arsenal defence is built. That can only be done if the Gunners beat the Blues to the 6’2” man’s signature though.
