Lazio Reportedly Make First Contact With Real Madrid Defender | OneFootball

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

Lazio Need a New Defender

The Biancocelesti are expected to finalize Alessio Romagnoli’s transfer to Al-Sadd in the coming days, while Mario Gila is heavily linked with a move to Napoli. The Italian’s place in the lineup could be filled by the left-footed Oliver Provstgaard, so a right-footed centre-back is expected to join the club should Gila leave.

Over the past few weeks, several candidates have emerged on the scene. Dinamo Zagreb’s 21-year-old Spaniard Sergi Dominguez is considered the top target, while Brighton’s Diego Coppola could be a more attainable alternative.

Lazio Open a Dialogue with Real Madrid Defender Raul Asencio

According to a popular Real Madrid news source on X (formerly Twitter) called La Saesta Rubia, Lazio are also considering a move to Asencio, and have already contacted the player’s entourage.

Raul Asencio: Career Path, Market Value & Season Stats

The Spanish defender began his career at his hometown club, Las Palmas, before joining Real Madrid’s youth ranks in 2017. He was promoted to the first team in 2024, and had his big breakthrough in his first campaign when Carlo Ancelotti resorted to his services amid an injury crisis.

The 23-year-old is coming off a less memorable second campaign, as illustrated by his market value, which gradually dropped from €40 million to €20 million, as estimated by Transfermarkt. Nevertheless, he still made 32 appearances across all competitions, scoring two goals and providing an assist.

Can Lazio Afford Asencio?

With Antonio Rudiger extending his contract and Ibrahimo Konate joining the club on a free transfer, Asencio could struggle for playing time next season. But while he might consider an exit, it remains to be seen if Lazio can afford to sign him, especially after being restricted to a net-zero transfer market.