Arsenal have received a boost in their search for Lazio midfielder Sergej Milinkovic-Savic. The 27-year-old Serb has been available for just £35m this summer as his contract with the Serie A outfit is set to expire in the summer of 2024, according to Italian outlet Correire dello Sport.
Milinkovic-Savic is widely regarded as one of the best midfielders in the world, and the Gunners have had their eye on him for some time now. Mikel Arteta’s team has been interested in bringing a midfielder to the Emirates for some time.
The Serb could turn out to be a quality addition to Arsenal in the middle of the park. With Lazio set to settle for a minimum price, the Gunners are sure to expect plenty of competition. The north London squad already boasts the likes of Martin Odegaard, Thomas Partey and Granit Xhaka in midfield.
They have already added former Chelsea player Jorginho in the winter transfer window, but will be looking to improve their squad. With the team preparing for UEFA Champions League football next season, Milinkovic-Savic could prove to be a valuable addition if they are to make a long career in the competition.
Lazio had struggled long before to keep the player in Rome, but with reports that they are ready to part with him for a price much lower than his actual value, many teams will be looking to add a player of his quality.
Milinkovic-Savic has played a key role for Lazio this season as the team hunts for a top four spot. He has six goals and eight assists in 30 games for the Biancocelesti this season.
Mikel Arteta explains the return of Arsenal after a bad run
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has credited “going back to basics” as the reason the Gunners came out of a slump.
The north London outfit originally held an eight-point lead at the top of the table, which they lost following a loss to Manchester City.
However, they have bounced back well, reclaiming top spot with wins over Aston Villa and Leicester City.
FULL TIME Leicester 0-1 Arsenal Gabriel Martinelli’s goal early in the second half sends Arsenal five points clear in the top #LEIARS https://t.co/IzJI8qrFSM
Arteta said about his response in the last eight days:
“Really important because it creates more confidence in the players, around the club and externally. But I had the belief that the players could do it. Was [about] going back to some details and basic concepts that took us away from gaming. The last two games, especially today, we have done much more”.