Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta is ready to solve his long-term midfield conundrum by going 'all-in' for Lazio's Serbian midfield star Sergej Milinkovic-Savic, a new report has claimed.
The Gunners chief was desperate to bring in midfield reinforcements in the summer transfer but was unable to strike a late deal with Aston Villa for their Brazilian enforcer Douglas Luiz. Although the likes of Granit Xhaka, Thomas Partey and club captain Martin Odegaard have all been influential in the Londoners' title tilt, Arteta still has designs on bolstering his options in the New Year.
Arsenal are unlikely to rekindle their interest in Luiz, who has since penned a new, long-term deal with Aston Villa, but another name who has been linked with a switch to the Emirates in the past could once again be on their agenda.
According to Italian outlet Corriere della Sera, via Tutto Juve, Arsenal are ready to test Lazio's resolve over Milinkovic-Savic. The 27-year-old impressed for Serbia at the World Cup, and with his deal set to expire in 2024, the Italian outfit could opt to cash in on their midfield talisman while his stock is high.
It is believed that Milinkovic-Savic is 'reluctant' to leave Italy, but he would 'consider' an approach from Arsenal if they were to come forward with a concrete proposal once the transfer window reopens next month.
Juventus are also thought to be interested in acquiring the playmaker's services, but they could struggle to compete with Arsenal, who are flying high in the Premier League and on track to end their multi-year Champions League exile.
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Milinkovic-Savic has been in fine form for Lazio this season and chalked up five goals and seven assists in all competitions before the mid-season break.
And the Serbia international has only enhanced his reputation in Qatar, where he bagged a stunning goal in the enthralling 3-3 draw with Switzerland in the World Cup Group Stage. He was unable, however, to steer his country into the knockout phase of the competition.
Arteta conceded that Arsenal were beaten by the clock in their bid to lure Luiz away from Villa Park in the summer. The 24-year-old, who worked with Arteta at Manchester City, was seen as the perfect player to provide cover for the injury-prone Partey - but the Londoners were unable to strike a deal with the Midlands outfit.
"We pushed to strengthen the team and bring the best possible people and players to this football club," Arteta said back in September. We have managed to a certain level. Time was a big limitation with what happened in the last 72 hours in our midfield."
