The chances of Sergej Milinkovic-Savic joining Arsenal in either the January or summer transfer window could take a huge blow after Juventus' plan to sign the Serbian has emerged.
The Gunners have been rumoured to hold an interest in the Lazio midfielder after his standout performances in Serie A. This season, Milinkovic-Savic has scored five goals and provided a further seven assists in 20 appearances and scored in the World Cup in Qatar for Serbia.
His contract at the Stadio Olimpico expires in June 2024 and uncertainty over his future has grown over time amid interest from Premier League clubs. football.london reported in the summer that Mikel Arteta's side were in the market for a midfielder and those plans remain in place after missing out on Douglas Luiz in the summer.
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Earlier this month, it was claimed that the 27-year-old had changed his mind on a move to the Emirates Stadium amid the Gunners' battle with Manchester City at the top of the table. However, with the January transfer window approaching, Italian outlet La Gazzetta dello Sport (via Calciomercato) have claimed that Juventus will pursue Milinkovic-Savic as a replacement for Adrien Rabiot.
Rabiot, who will become a free agent in June, has been heavily linked with a move away from Turin with Chelsea and Arsenal keen. Graham Potter's side are in the process of sounding out replacements for N'Golo Kante and Jorginho ahead of the expiry of their current deals at Stamford Bridge.
It's understood that Juve are reluctant to pay the midfielder the salary demanded, meaning the Bianconeri would consider a sale for a cut price next month. Should the Blues pursue the deal, it could leave the Gunners in limbo in their own attempts to sign Milinkovic-Savic.
The Lazio man is reportedly keen to remain in Italy after recently becoming a father and signing for one of the countries biggest clubs is an attractive offer.
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