Lazio ‘join’ Inter Milan in race for River Plate defender Lautaro Rivero | OneFootball

According to El Crack Deportivo, Lazio have registered interest in River Plate defender Lautaro Rivero, with Inter Milan also keen, as the club weigh up a long-term successor to Alessio Romagnoli.

The former AC Milan captain was close to leaving in January for Al-Sadd, only for the move to collapse late. The 31-year-old is still tipped to depart in the summer, despite being under contract until June 2027.

Lazio already have Oliver Provstgaard, but would need another left-footed centre-back if Romagnoli goes. Over the past two months Diogo Leite has emerged as the leading candidate, set to become a free agent when his Union Berlin deal expires this summer. Talks with his entourage have progressed, although the management are also pursuing other profiles.

Rivero came through at River Plate, spent a year on loan at Central Cordoba, then returned last summer. This season he has started 10 of 11 league matches and scored once. He also made his senior Argentina debut in October in a friendly against Puerto Rico.

His contract runs until December 2028 and reportedly includes a €100 million release clause. The report said River Plate could seek around €10 million.

Source: The Laziali