Arsenal have reportedly added Lazio star Sergej Milinkovic-Savic to their summer transfer shortlist as Mikel Arteta attempts to sign a midfielder this window.
The Gunners’ boss is keen to add to his options in the centre of the park this window after a fifth-placed Premier League finish last term. Leicester City’s Youri Tielemans has been identified as a priority target for the north London side, whilst Wolverhampton Wanderers playmaker Ruben Neves continues to be linked with a switch to the Emirates Stadium.
There is of course plenty of time to go in the window but Arsenal appear to have found another option in the form of Lazio’s Milinkovic-Savic. According to Corriere dello Sport, the Gunners are considering a move for the Serbian and would be willing to fork out a considerable fee for his signature.
It is suggested that Arsenal would be open to paying up to £42m for the former Genk men although it remains to be seen whether that would be enough to tempt Lazio into selling. The Serie A giants are apparently holding out for £55m - albeit are in no rush to cash-in with the 27-year-old having two years remaining on his contract at the Stadio Olimpico.
Newcastle United have also been credited with an interest in Milinkovic-Savic this summer and despite having the funds to complete a deal, it is suggested that a switch to St James’ Park is not an ‘attractive proposition’ for the Serbian. Should Arsenal manage to secure his services it is further suggested that the midfielder could be a replacement for Granit Xhaka - the Swiss continuing to be linked with a move to AS Roma.
Milinkovic-Savic has certainly harnessed the reputation as one of the most consistent midfielders in Serie A since his 2015 arrival. He enjoyed his most productive season of his career last term with 11 goals and 12 assists in all competitions for Maurizio Sarri ’s men.
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It is certainly not the first time that the Serbian has courted interest from the Premier League throughout his career. Man United have been linked on a number of occasions and it certainly would not be a surprise to see them attempt to secure his services once more.
Incoming boss Erik ten Hag is also aiming to welcome a new midfielder to Old Trafford this summer following the departures of Paul Pogba and Nemanja Matic. Barcelona ’s Frenkie de Jong has been identified as his first pick and the Red Devils have made their first efforts to secure a move.
United lodged a bid of £60m for the Dutchman - an offer that was rejected by the Catalan giants - but the Red Devils having not been dispirited and are expected to return with an improved bid sooner rather than later.
