Merson: Arsenal should sign Milinkovic-Savic

Paul Merson has written in his Daily Star column that Arsenal should sign Lazio midfielder Sergej Milinkovic-Savic this summer, if they cannot get a deal done for Youri Tielemans or James Ward-Prowse.

Reports state that Arsenal are moving to sign Tielemans for £30million from Leicester. The Belgium international has a contract at the King Power until 2023, meaning Leicester will have to cash in this summer to get a fee.

Meanwhile, Ward-Prowse remains Southampton skipper and already a Saints legend. But Ralph Hasenhuttl’s £75million price tag means that clubs are likely to be put off in signing the England international.

Arsenal legend Merson says that Tielemans would fit in at The Emirates, while questioning Ward-Prowse’s ambition. He says Arsenal should sign Milinkovic-Savic if they cannot get the other two.

The Serbia international has two years left on his contract with Maurizio Sarri’s Lazio. Like Ward-Prowse, an icon at his current club. Merson thinks he is the best midfielder in Serie A, but Tottenham also want the £67million man.

“Youri Tielemans would fit nicely at Arsenal,” Merson said. “If he’s [Ward-Prowse] staying, maybe he doesn’t have the ambition? Tielemans would tick the box for Arsenal. But Milinkovic-Savic is the player I would go for.

“Now more than ever, Arsenal need a top-class midfielder. And I think Savic is a lovely player. A really top-drawer player. The way he played for Lazio last season I personally think he is the best midfield player in Italy.”