Arsenal may have retained an interest in Sergej Milinkovic-Savic as there are suggestions the Serbian could leave Al-Hilal.
According to Tutto Juve, who talk about Juventus’ impending interest in Sergej Milinkovic-Savic also name Arsenal as a potential suitor. The Gunners had links with the €40 million-a-year midfield general before he switched to Saudi Arabia, with suggestions that he might return to Europe.
Arsenal rekindle interest in Sergej Milinkovic-Savic?
The Gunners are looking for a new midfielder either in this window or the next, as a host of names are linked with the club. Mikel Arteta wants a long-term formula in place next summer, as he could discard critical stars like Jorginho and Thomas Partey to replace them with younger stars.
Martin Zubimendi remains a long-term target, while recently, they saw links to Boca Juniors star Ezequiel Fernandez. Both those players would suit Arsenal’s current style and long-term plans. However, the report states a possibility of returning to a previous target in Sergej Milinkovic-Savic.
The Serbian was linked with Arsenal over in the summer but chose to take up the riches of Saudi Arabia, where he’s paid €40 million a year at Al-Hilal. Financially, neither Juventus nor the Gunners can afford that kind of salary, although if the Serbian wishes to return, fresh talks about wages must begin.
Arsenal could rekindle their interest in the €40 million-a-year midfield general if he’s open to leaving Al-Hilal next summer. He was previously linked with Newcastle United over a January move, but now those plans have been shelved for good.
Arsenal’s midfield overhaul in the works?
Arteta and Edu Gaspar are reportedly planning a midfield overhaul, as the manager would like to build around Declan Rice. Jorginho is on the wrong side of his age, and despite his good performances, he might pave the way for a younger generation to take his spot.
The biggest issue for Arteta is Thomas Partey’s fitness, as the Ghanaian has missed half of the current season. Milinkovic-Savic was earlier earmarked to replace Granit Xhaka last summer, but Kai Havertz has taken on that role since then.
Despite the report claiming Arsenal’s interest, the chances of them going for the €40 million-a-year midfield general are slim for many factors. His wages are off the charts for any European side, even Juventus. There are doubts about whether the player would want to walk away from such a lucrative contract, as everything points towards Milinkovic-Savic staying put at Al-Hilal.