Featured Image Credit: Alamy
Topics: Arsenal, Manchester United, Lazio, Serie A, Premier League, Mikel Arteta
Ryan Smart
Topics: Arsenal, Manchester United, Lazio, Serie A, Premier League, Mikel Arteta
Arsenal have again been linked with a move for Lazio midfielder Sergej Milinkovic-Savic, with a potential player swap deal reportedly on the cards.
The 27-year-old has long been on the radar of Premier League clubs, with his box-to-box qualities seen as an ideal fit for many top sides.
Milinkovic-Savic has been with Lazio for over seven years, and recorded his best goal/assist numbers last season. He found the net on 11 occasions in Serie A, whilst also providing 11 assists.
He is set to potentially eclipse these numbers this term, with three goals and seven assists already in just 11 league appearances.
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That is, however, assuming that the Serbian does not move clubs in the upcoming January transfer window. And with Serbia competing at this winter's World Cup, Milinkovic-Savic has opportunities to impress on the biggest stage.
There have been reports linking the midfielder to the likes of Man United, Juventus and PSG. But it's now Arsenal who are being heavily attached to a potential move for the Serbian - and one Gunners player could be on their way out of the club.
On October 14, Spanish outlet Fichajes claimed that Arsenal were exploring a move to sign Milinkovic-Savic.
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This was partially due to the midfielder's contract situation - his current Lazio deal expires in 2024 - and the need to add more depth in central midfield in case of injury to Thomas Partey.
Now, Italian outlet Calciomercato has added more detail to the Gunners links. Whilst they say that Juventus are 'ready to go crazy' to seal his signature, they add that Arsenal are 'willing to do everything' to sign him.
This reportedly includes a potential swap deal proposal, involving current Gunners midfielder Albert Sambi Lokonga.
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The Belgian international has struggled for game time this season at the Emirates Stadium, starting only two of the 11 games played by the Gunners so far in the Premier League.
He has, however, started all four of Arsenal's Europa League fixtures so far this term.
It is claimed that the London club would bid around €50-60 million for Milinkovic-Savic, plus the €25m-rated Lokonga, to attempt Lazio to sell for under the €120m figure quoted as Lazio's asking price for the player.