Arsenal scouts were reportedly present again to watch Andrija Zivkovic play for Benfica and appear to be keen on signing him in the summer.
According to Record, Arsenal are keen on signing Benfica’s Andrija Zivkovic in the summer. The Gunners’ scouts in Portugal have watched the Serbian midfielder on many previous occasions and have been left impressed by the midfielder’s performances.
Zivkovic joined Benfica from Partizan Belgrade in the summer of 2016, and has slowly gone about establishing himself in the first-team setup. This season too, the player has filtered in and out of the starting eleven, but played a central role for Benfica as they beat Portimonense 3-1, scoring his side’s third goal.
Arsenal scouts have had an eye on several players from the Portuguese league, but have been seen attending games involving Benfica on several occasions and are thought to be watching Zivkovic in particular.
At 21, the Serb could prove to be a shrewd buy, as the player comes experienced in European football as well. The Gunners would be in the market for attacking talents as Arsene Wenger seeks better squad depth in attack following the departures of Alexis Sanchez and Theo Walcott in January.
Arsenal, however, are not alone in showing an interest in Zivkovic as some other clubs have also sent representatives to watch him play. Manchester United are among other English clubs involved, while West Ham United and Newcastle United are showing an interest in the winger as well.
There is further interest from European clubs like Juventus, AC Milan and Paris-Saint Germain, who have had their representatives watch the player on some occasions. Additionally, there are several clubs in Spain including Sevilla, who would be interested in taking the player to La Liga.
Zivkovic reportedly has a €53 million release clause attached to his current deal, and it would be interesting to see if Arsenal or any other clubs readily agree on paying that. Arsenal are considered the favourites at the present moment, and the Gunners would want to conduct business early in the window.
Arsenal would not want a bidding war if things get delayed and will need to agree on a deal beforehand for Zivkovic. It now remains to be seen if the player ends up making his way to the Emirates, or if any other club swoops him away.