Roma Considering Swap Bid to Retain High-Performing Milan Loanee

Roma and Milan could meet again at the negotiating table this winter to discuss Alexis Saelemaekers’ future at the Stadio Olimpico. According to Calciomercato, Claudio Ranieri’s charges are willing to offer Bryan Cristante as a makeweight in a deal to sign the Belgian winger permanently.

Paulo Fonseca was against Milan’s decision to loan Saelemaekers out at the tail-end of the summer transfer window. However, the club disobeyed their coach’s wish, sending the 25-year-old to Roma as part of their effort to lure Tammy Abraham to Stadio San Siro.

Abraham has so far failed to live up to expectations. Despite sporadic goals, he has notoriously struggled for consistency and could head back to the capital at the end of the season. By contrast, Saelemaekers has gone from strength to strength following an injury-riddled start in Rome.

The former Anderlecht starlet has quickly won over the Roma faithful. More importantly, he has established himself as an indispensable first-team member under Ranieri. Therefore, the Giallorossi are eager to turn his transfer permanent and won’t wait until the summer.

Milan’s stance is clear. They want up to €20m to sanction their outcast’s departure. However, Roma cannot meet their rivals’ lofty demands. Instead, they hope to drive the price down by offering Cristante as a counterpart.

Cristante came through the Milan academy. But he never had a chance to prove his worth at a senior level. After tumbling down the pecking order at Roma, he’s ready to pack his bags and could return to San Siro as a seasoned veteran.

Roma could use tonight’s blockbuster Serie A clash as a perfect occasion to present their proposal to Milan.

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