Arsenal swap deal plan in tatters as key target 'agrees to join another club'

Arsenal target Sergej Milinkovic-Savic has agreed terms with another club, it has been claimed, which could rule out a reported potential swap deal between his current club Lazio and the Gunners.

Arsenal have been linked with a move for the midfielder since the summer transfer window, with Mikel Arteta's side seemingly keen to add more competition for Thomas Partey and Granit Xhaka.

They have also been struck by injury in the area, with Mohamed Elneny returning in early November after two months out of action.

Milinkovic-Savic is one of the names that has been suggested as a potential transfer for the Gunners - even though the Serbia international would not come cheap.

Italian outlet Calciomercato claimed that Arsenal were willing to put forward a swap deal that would involve Sambi Lokonga moving to Lazio in exchange for Milinkovic-Savic to go the other way.

On top of that, a fee of around €50-60 million would have been paid to the Italian club.

However, new reports suggest that any potential swap deal will not be happening.

Milinkovic-Savic 'deal agreed'

Accoridng to Italian journalist Alfredo Pedulla, Milinkovic-Savic has an agreement to join fellow Serie A side Juventus from Lazio this summer.

Juve were one of the clubs mentioned, alongside Arsenal, in previous reports surrounding the player's future.

The Italian giants have capitalised on potential free transfer opportunities in recent years, and while Milinkovic-Savic's deal at Lazio expires in 2024, it is likely that he would command a lower fee than if he was tied to a longer contract.

Pedulla claims that the Serbian has agreed terms to move to Juve, but is also open to signing a new deal at Lazio. However, it is reported that the player would request a clause in the contract that would 'not exceed 40 million, maximum 50 million euros'.

The suggestion, therefore, is that such a clause would allow Lazio to receive a fee if Milinkovic-Savic decides to leave the club, without them having to worry about his contract winding down in 2024, at which point he could depart on a free transfer if he were to wish to do so.