Arsenal are stepping up their transfer efforts this month as they aim to increase the size and quality of their squad in order to sustain a title bid.
27-year-old Sergej Milinkovic-Savic has been at Lazio for nearly eight years now, but with just 18 months remaining on his current contract, it appears the Serie A side are finally ready to cash in on their prized asset – and Arsenal are said to be interested.
According to Corriere dello Sport Arsenal and another unnamed Premier League side have been in contact with his agent, Kezman.
It’s not the first time Arsenal have been linked with a move for this player, with sources across the continent mooting a possible deal for months. Relovo back in December reported: ‘In recent weeks, Arsenal have made big moves for the Serbian midfielder’.
He is valued at 60million euros on transfermarkt, but due to his contract situation, could be available for a cut price. Il Messaggero suggests that Lazio may even consider a loan deal this month, with a 40m euros option to buy in the summer.
Should he arrive, Milinkovic-Savic would offer competition for the likes of Granit Xhaka and Martin Odegaard in the more advanced central midfield slots. He’s a player who contributes many goals and assists, with 3 goals and 7 assists in the league so far this season.
The Serbian international turns 29 next month, so his signing would go against the typical mould of recent Arsenal arrivals, but as much as Mikel Arteta has trusted youth of late, he has always stressed the importance of experience too.
His arrival would put the future of Albert Sambi Lokonga in some doubt. The Belgian is already upset about his lack of playing time and another midfield arrival would only set him back further.