Chelsea have reportedly held talks with Lazio’s sporting director Igli Tare for Sergej Milinkovic-Savic, a target for Arsenal and Newcastle United.
According to Corriere dello Sport, as relayed by Sport Witness, Chelsea could be interested in signing Sergej Milinkovic-Savic after holding talks with Lazio sporting director Igli Tare. The executive had been in England to discuss potential moves for several players, including the Serbian midfielder, a target for Arsenal and Newcastle United.
Chelsea’s need for a new top-quality midfielder has led them to different avenues. The Blues are keen to strengthen their squad in the summer after a tumultuous few months with their issues off the field.
The west Londoners have finally got out of the slump and found a new owner to lead the club into the future. With things looking stable from the outside, there are multiple issues to be solved with the Chelsea squad, as Thomas Tuchel hopes to have a competitive team to challenge for honours next season.
The focus is still on bridging the gap in defence following Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen’s departure in addition to the possibility of two others also leaving Chelsea. The issue has led to links with various top-class centre-backs, with Jules Kounde Chelsea’s preferred target.
Meanwhile, a problem in central midfield is brewing at Chelsea, with Jorginho and N’Golo Kante entering the final years of their respective deals. They risk losing them on a free next summer or allow them to depart for a nominal fee this year.
Chelsea have several targets in mind to reinforce their squad, with Sergej Milinkovic-Savic emerging as one. The Serb is on the list of some big English clubs, with Arsenal and Newcastle United already have bids rejected for him. But Lazio could be open to a sale this summer if the right offer arrives.
The Italian giants have not placed him on the market, but Milinkovic-Savic could become a high-profile sale to fund new transfers. Maurizio Sarri is keen to bring in a few new faces and has eyes for some of the current Chelsea stars such as Kepa Arrizzabalaga, Ruben Loftus-Cheek, and Callum Hudson-Odoi.
Lazio sporting director Igli Tare was in London recently and reportedly met Chelsea officials as part of his trip. Milinkovic-Savic was discussed, among others, and Tuchel could be interested in the Serbian midfielder. But competition from Arsenal and Newcastle United complicates matters, even though Chelsea can offer UEFA Champions League football.
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Lazio are reportedly seeking €80 million for their prized asset, but they have not received proposals exceeding €60 million. It remains to be seen whether Chelsea can convince the Italian club over a deal and make a sizeable offer or if Arsenal or Newcastle swoop him away instead.