Lazio ‘make first contact’ with Real Madrid defender | OneFootball

Lazio are scouring the market for a new midfielder and have reportedly set their sights on Real Madrid’s Raul Asencio.

La Saesta Rubia claims the Biancocelesti have opened initial talks with the defender’s entourage, while specific details were not disclosed.

Alessio Romagnoli is expected to seal a move to Al-Sadd in the coming days, and Mario Gila is heavily linked with Napoli. Oliver Provstgaard, a left-footer, could fill the Italian’s berth, so a right-footed centre-back is likely if Gila departs.

Several names have emerged in recent weeks. Dinamo Zagreb’s 21-year-old Spaniard Sergi Dominguez is viewed as the leading option, with Brighton’s Diego Coppola considered a more attainable alternative.

Asencio came through Las Palmas before joining Real Madrid’s academy in 2017. He reached the first team in 2024 and broke through when Carlo Ancelotti turned to him during an injury crisis.

The 23-year-old’s second campaign was less memorable, and his market value has fallen from €40 million to €20 million. Even so, he made 32 appearances in all competitions, scoring two and supplying one assist.

With Antonio Rudiger extending his deal and Ibrahimo Konate arriving on a free, Asencio could face limited minutes next season. He might consider an exit, although Lazio’s scope is unclear given their net-zero transfer stance.

Source: The Laziali