Arsenal are in the transfer market for a new midfielder this summer having been linked with Youri Tielemans and Sergej Milinkovic-Savic ahead of next season.
Reports in Italy suggest the Gunners are pursuing a deal for the Lazio star after cooling their interest in Leicester's Belgium international. Arsenal have already confirmed the signings of four new players this summer, including Gabriel Jesus, Fabio Vieira, Marquinhos and Matt Turner.
The Gunners have reportedly already agreed personal terms with Tielemans but are also exploring the possibility of signing Milinkovic-Savic, with the Serie A side slapping a price tag in the region of £55million for the 27-year-old. Lazio are open to selling their star midfielder with the club in need of funds to reshape the squad ahead of next season.
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According to Italian news outlet Il Messaggero, relayed by TuttoJuve, there has been a renewed push regarding Arsenal’s interest in the player and despite a first offer of £47m being rejected by the Serie A side from the Gunners, a second one could be on its way in the coming days. The report suggests the north Londoners ‘could go up to £55m’ for the midfielder, described as a ‘figure that Lazio would deem appropriate to part ways with the Serbia international’.
Milinkovic-Savic registered double figures for both goals (11) and assists (12) last season in all competitions, showing his goal scoring threat and creative ability from a central midfield role. The Lazio star has been linked with a move to the Premier League for the past few seasons with Manchester United, Chelsea and Tottenham all previously being reportedly interested in signing the 27-year-old.
There are doubts over Milinkovic-Savic due to his price, age and lack of Premier League experience when compared to Tielemans. Mikel Arteta is keen to strengthen key areas of his squad ahead of a packed 2022/23 campaign after qualifying for the Europa League next season, and if reports in Italy are to be believed, Milinkovic-Savic could be in the frame to become the Gunners' fifth summer signing.
Arsenal remain in the race to sign Ajax defender Lisandro Martinez, despite Manchester United reportedly in 'pole position' to sign the 24-year-old. Arteta sees Martinez playing at left-back rather than centre-back due to his height and ability on the ball, providing cover on the left-hand side of defence.
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