Stefano Trinkera, Lecce’s sporting director, indicated at the start of the year that the southern Italian club would face challenges retaining Nikola Krstović at the end of the season, as interest from prominent Italian teams continues to rise.

During that time, Krstović was already being connected with Milan and subsequently with Inter, but now there’s buzz from Rome. According to “Tutomercato,” referencing “Gazeta dello Sport,” Roma aims to secure Krstović alongside Artyom Dovbik for their attack next season. If Dovbik departs in the summer, Krstović would serve as a valuable replacement.

“Although Eldor Shomurodov has been performing beyond expectations recently, the Roman club’s management is committed to enhancing their attack with a dependable player,” the report states, adding:

“Following numerous rumors involving players like Beto from Everton and Lorenzo Luka from Udinese, it appears that the club’s primary focus has shifted to Nikola Krstović from Lecce.”

Should Krstović join the yellow-red side of the Eternal City, he would follow in the footsteps of the first Montenegrin captain, Mirko Vučinić, who transitioned from Lecce to Roma.

Reports suggest that the club on “Via del Marea” has already established a minimum price of 30 million euros for their “nine” in the summer.

Prominent Italian journalist Gianluca di Marzio revealed earlier in the winter that Milan had extended an offer of 25 million for Krstović, with the possibility of him remaining in southern Italy until the end of the season; however, Lecce declined to consider that option.

Shortly thereafter, word spread that another major team from the Fashion Capital was contemplating a move for Krstović, but Inter was also looking into alternatives such as Jonathan David from Lille and Santiago Castro from Bologna.

The reigning champions would provide an environment where Krstović could fit into an established system that has been the best in Italy of late, while a transfer to Milan or Roma would mean adapting to a restructuring phase for both clubs.

After Claudio Ranieri, if the Romans wish to conclude the season successfully, they will need to prudently evaluate who leads the team, following the narratives surrounding Daniele de Rossi and Ivan Jurić.

Conversely, Sergio Conceição appears to be out of favor in Milan, with reports suggesting a potential return for Massimiliano Allegri, and the offensive line would potentially feature Krstović and Santiago Jimenez.

Lens must first resolve their survival issues by the summer, and Krstović’s impact on that journey is underscored by the fact that the club on “Via del Marea” has scored 21 goals in Serie A this season, with the Montenegrin forward directly contributing to 13 of them—10 goals and three assists.

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