Liverpool are reportedly set to rival Premier League heavyweights Chelsea and Manchester United for Lazio ace Sergej Milinkovic-Savic
According to Calciomercatoweb, Liverpool are set to battle Manchester United and Chelsea for the signature of Lazio’s star midfielder Sergej Milinkovic-Savic.
The Serb is one of the best players in his position and has established himself as a Serie A star. With four goals and five assists in 11 appearances this season, the 27-year-old has gotten off to a flyer, and it comes as no surprise he is attracting attention from Merseyside.
Jurgen Klopp’s squad is ageing, and Liverpool are in urgent need of revamping their midfield. Jordan Henderson and James Milner are starting to show their age, while Fabinho is woefully off form. Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Naby Keita are injury prone, while Curtis Jones still has a lot to develop.
Bringing in Milinkovic-Savic will not just address the shortcoming in the middle of the park but also give Liverpool a player in the prime of his career. A central midfielder who is also capable of playing on the right, he fits in well in Klopp’s jigsaw.
Trent Alexander-Arnold’s ability to get forward is a major plot point in Liverpool’s attack, meaning the central midfielder playing on the right has to cover for him on a forward foray. Milinkovic-Savic’s experience in that role will be a godsend for the Reds. This can also free up Harvey Elliott, who is better going forward than defending to perform their roles to their strengths.
It will not be easy sailing for the Reds as Chelsea and Manchester United are also rebuilding their rosters. The Blues in particular could lose N’Golo Kante and Jorginho when the duo’s contract expires next summer. It could leave them with a massive void of experience in a crucial area of the pitch.
Manchester United brought in Casemiro in the summer, but the Brazilian has not found his feet yet at his new club. Fred and Scott McTominay have shown more fight under Erik ten Hag but lack the quality to be counted as world-class players. Milinkovic-Savic will add steel to what is an exciting young squad and will also serve as a reminder that Old Trafford remains a top destination.
Valued at around €70 million, Liverpool will need to fork out the cash to land their man. One advantage they may hold is in offering Joe Gomez in part exchange. The Englishman is the fourth-choice centre-back at Anfield and is valued at around €35 million. Whether sending him the other way is something Lazio will be keen on is debatable.
