Arsenal transfer news: Lazio chief admits £53m West Ham target could go

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Lazio sporting director Igli Tare now admits Sergej Milinkovic-Savic could leave the Serie A side. The midfielder is also a transfer target of London rivals Arsenal and West Ham United.

Tare concedes there is a ‘difficulty’ surrounding the Biancocelesti’s hope of keeping the 27-year-old at the Stadio Olimpico. But he also acknowledges that Milinkovic-Savic is bound to earn interest given his performances in Rome. He is only under contract to June 2024, too.

Milinkovic-Savic has been with Lazio since he moved to Italy from Belgian club KRC Genk in 2015. The 39-cap Serbia star has since played 324 times for the team in all competitions. He has also penned 64 goals and 59 assists, including six and eight of each so far this term.

Lazio have even given Milinkovic-Savic the captain’s armband on occasion this season. But his future seems set to be elsewhere with Corriere dello Sport reporting the midfielder has already told Tare that he will not be extending his contract and wants to leave to win titles.

Premier League teams are now ready to flock to the Stadio Olimpico in the hopes of a deal. Corriere dello Sport has also noted that Arsenal remain keen on Milinkovic-Savic’s transfer from Lazio. He also wants to sign for Mikel Arteta’s team, despite rejecting them last year.

West Ham want to rival Arsenal for Sergej Milinkovic-Savic’s transfer from Lazio

West Ham hope to rival Arsenal for Milinkovic-Savic’s transfer from Lazio, as well. The Sun reports the Hammers deem the Lleida, Spain-born technician as their top target to replace Declan Rice. David Moyes has sent Alan Irvine to scout the Biancocelesti star recently, too.

While Calciomercato reports that Tare accepts he will struggle to demand €50-60m (£44-53m) given Milinkovic-Savic’s contract expires next year. Now, the Lazio director has also commented on the midfielder’s situation and admits his future will be what is best for all.

“The difficulty of keeping Milinkovic-Savic is part of the game,” Tare admits, via quotes by Calciomercato. “In Lazio, strong ties are always created with the city and with society.

“There are players who have been playing here for many years and he is one of them. He has a very strong bond with Lazio and what happens will be the best for us and for him.”