Arsenal and Chelsea have reportedly made exploratory contacts with Lazio’s sporting director to enquire about Sergej Milinkovic-Savic.
According to Calciomercato, Arsenal and Chelsea have had exploratory contacts with Lazio sporting director Igli Tare to enquire about the availability of Sergej Milinkovic-Savic. The Serie A club’s executive had flown to London last month for talks on many subjects, including the Serbian midfielder.
Arsenal and Chelsea have been in the market for players in several positions. Both clubs are going through an intense phase in the summer transfer window to try and secure their preferred targets, which has not been an easy ride.
The difficulties posed by the window were evident in their collective chase of Raphinha, who eventually ended up joining Barcelona. One of the positions both clubs need a quality player in is central midfield, with several options touted about in recent times.
Sergej Milinkovic-Savic’s name has been mentioned more than once, and there were whispers the Serbian midfielder could finally make a switch to the Premier League. The 27-year-old has long been linked with many English clubs, most notably Manchester United, but somehow continued to play for Lazio.
Arsenal reportedly had a bid rejected some time back by Lazio, with the Serie A giants keeping a firm stance on their valuation of around €80 million. The Gunners have continued to explore the market for a new midfielder with attacking prowess, and irrespective of the price tag, Milinkovic-Savic is a good option.
Youri Tielemans remains their topmost priority, while there are links with Arthur Melo and Lucas Paqueta. Each of those players have different profiles from each other; add Milinkovic-Savic to the mix, and Arsenal have another new profile to consider.
Last month, Lazio sporting director Igli Tare reportedly visited London to discuss business with multiple clubs. There were rumours the Serie A club were keen on signing several Chelsea players while discussing a move for the Serb. It is believed that in a meeting with Chelsea executives, Milinkovic-Savic was one of the subjects.
Chelsea have N’Golo Kante and Jorginho in the last year of their contracts, and Thomas Tuchel would like to refresh his midfield options. Frenkie de Jong remains heavily linked with the Blues, although Milinkovic-Savic could become an ideal option as the summer transfer window progresses.
Chelsea and Arsenal have reportedly made exploratory contacts with Lazio to understand the midfielder’s situation. The report claims the interest from the duo is genuine, although held doubts whether the English clubs will be open to paying his €80 million asking price.
Meanwhile, Lazio are reportedly open to keeping Milinkovic-Savic on board for their ongoing project under Maurizio Sarri. However, he is also their prized asset in the squad, and selling him would help generate some much-needed funds to bring in new players in this window.
For now, his €80 million price tag seems excessive, which may put off Arsenal and Chelsea. However, if they can reach a reasonable agreement with Lazio over their demands, a move could yet materialise for Milinkovic-Savic to move to the Premier League finally.
