Arsenal target Sergej Milinkovic-Savic is reportedly set to hold talks with the Real Madrid board over a potential Bernabeu switch next summer.
According to Calciomercato, Arsenal target Sergej Milinkovic-Savic will see agent Mateja Kezman travelling around Europe in search of the next landing destination for the Serb, who is open to a fresh challenge. Real Madrid are among his many suitors, with club president Florentino Perez reportedly set to hold talks with the player’s representative over a potential move next summer.
With the contracts of midfielder duo Toni Kroos and Dani Ceballos set to expire at the end of the season, Real Madrid are currently scouring the market for midfield reinforcements and have several players on their radar. Borussia Dortmund and England sensation Jude Bellingham is at the top of Los Blancos’ shopping list.
However, his price tag and the competition for his services may compel Real Madrid to realign their radars. And one name that is now doing the rounds on the Real Madrid rumour mill as a potential option for the Merengues is Lazio’s talismanic midfielder Sergej Milinkovic-Savic.
Since joining Lazio in 2015, Milinkovic-Savic has been gone from strength to strength, cementing himself as one of the best midfielders in Italy. The 27-year-old has been setting Serie A on fire over the last five years and has been showing every season that he is worthy of a big-money blockbuster move.
One of the best box-to-box midfielders across Europe, he has now made over 300 competitive appearances for the Eagles, notching up 63 goals and 58 assists in the process. Milinkovic-Savic has once again been in fine form for Lazio during the 2022/23 campaign, scoring five goals and chipping in with seven assists in 20 appearances in all competitions.
Despite increased interest from elite clubs across the world season after season, Lazio president Claudio Lotito has been able to fend off suitors and keep his most prized asset. However, with the player’s contract set to expire in 2024, they could finally be looking to cash in on their midfield star.
The Serb is a creative passer and is confident with the ball at his feet. He is adept at making an eye-of-the-needle through pass to a forward in behind, combining with his teammates, or directing his teammates like a manager on the pitch, showcasing his match intelligence, box-to-box qualities, and leadership skills. So it is no wonder Carlo Ancelotti would see the Lazio commander as a viable option for Real Madrid.
He might be viewed as a long-term successor for Los Blancos veterans Luka Modric and Kroos. While Real Madrid are interested in Milinkovic-Savic, they are unwilling to meet Lazio president Lolito’s asking price of €100 million. Things may change if Lotito’s valuation falls below the €60 million mark.
The same should be the case with Premier League leaders Arsenal, who continue to be linked with a move for the Serb. The Gunners have become an appealing destination for Milinkovic-Savic due to their form this season. They are five points clear of Manchester City at the top of the standings and could provide the player with Champions League football as well as title-chasing aspirations.
Milinkovic-Savic would provide Mikel Arteta with a world-class midfield option that would undoubtedly raise the standards and quality of their roster as they look to consolidate their title charge.
