Italian outlet CMW claim that Arsenal are desperate to sign Lazio midfielder Sergej Milinkovic-Savic and are even willing to table a player-plus-cash deal involving Albert Sambi Lokonga – with Tottenham eyeing the Serbian ace, too.
The Spain-born midfielder is considered one of the best in Serie A, in his position. It comes after seven years at Lazio, in which he has clocked up a huge 309 appearances – averaging more than 40 outings a season. A top, top player.
Indeed, his impact in the final third is proven by his Lazio stats. Indeed, in his 309 games, Milinkovic-Savic has had a hand in 120 goals – scoring 62 and creating 58. Little surprise, then, that Premier League clubs want to sign him.
Gazzetta Dello Sport claim Lazio president Claudio Lotito wants £107million. A previous report from CMW says Antonio Conte wants Tottenham to sign the Serbia international – but they may now face competition from Arsenal.
The latest report states that Arsenal ‘will do anything’ to sign the midfielder. They are ready to propose a player-plus-cash offer worth between £43million and £52million – plus Lokonga. That might not be enough for Lotito and Lazio.
Arsenal desperate to sign Milinkovic-Savic, willing to include Lokonga
What a signing he would be. But the issue is that, he does not fit Edu’s transfer blueprint. In terms of signings to bolster the first team, Edu prefers players with plenty of experience – but between the age of 20 and 25.
Takehiro Tomiyasu, Aaron Ramsdale, Ben White, Martin Odegaard, Gabriel Jesus, Oleksandr Zinchenko and Fabio Vieira are examples. Milinkovic-Savic turns 28 in February. But his quality, and Lazio form, might just tempt Edu.
If Arsenal can get him for around £50million and Lokonga, it is wonderful business. Lokonga has not sparkled in an Arsenal shirt since joining from Anderlecht. With Tottenham keen, Arsenal landing Milinkovic-Savic would be superb.
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