Serbia manager Dragan Stojkovic has issued a ‘never say never’ take on Sergej Milinkovic-Savic possibly leaving Lazio during the summer transfer sales, amid interest from Arsenal.
Serbia boss says ‘never say never’ to Lazio selling Arsenal target Milinkovic-Savic
Dragan Stojkovic has told Tuttosport that it is impossible for him to rule out a late window transfer for Sergej Milinkovic-Savic. The midfielder is the subject of interest from around Europe this summer, and his Serbia boss is confident the 27-year-old would help any side.
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One team Stojkovic feels would suit Milinkovic-Savic is Serie A rivals Juventus, with Turin seen as the ‘ideal’ destination. And Bianconeri chiefs seemingly agree, as Il Mattino report the Allianz Stadium side dream of pairing the Spanish-born star with Paul Pogba this term.
But Lazio are reluctant to sell Milinkovic-Savic and turned down a €50m (£42.25m) offer by Juventus in May. They also hope interest from Arsenal and Manchester United will spark a bidding war, which would ideally increase a transfer fee to around €55-60m (£46.5-£51m).
Arsenal held talks with Lazio sporting director Igli Tare in London during June to discuss the north Londoner’s interest in Milinkovic-Savic, as well, per Calciomercato. But the Gunners were reluctant to advance at the time after being dealt a €70-80m (£59-67.5m) valuation.
Lazio president Claudio Lotito wants a sky-high figure to sell the 27-year-old after his Serie A exploits last season. Milinkovic-Savic lit the Italian top-flight up with his exploits under Maurizio Sarri, having hit home 11 goals and created a further 11 across 37 appearances.
Dragan Stojkovic confident of Milinkovic-Savic impact at ‘any team’
Milinkovic-Savic’s hauls of goals and assists from central midfield during the 2021/22 Serie A season were the 34-cap technician’s second-best and best records yet. Only through the ‘17/18 term has he scored more (12), while registering a previous high 10 assists in ‘20/21.
Now, the 6 ft 3 star’s Serbia coach, Stojkovic, is confident Milinkovic-Savic would make an impact anywhere in the world. He also cannot rule out the midfielder leaving Lazio before the summer transfer sales slam shut on September 1 for Premier League and Serie A sides.
“Never say never in the transfer market,” Stojkovic said. “From a technical point of view, I keep thinking that Milinkovic-Savic would be ideal for Juventus midfield.
“But I am only the coach of Serbia and I have great respect for Lazio, which is an important club. It is not for me to make these decisions. One thing is certain: Milinkovic-Savic is a top player, and would be an added value for any team.”
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