According to reports in Italy, Arsenal have submitted an initial offer to sign Lazio star Sergej Milinkovic-Savic in the upcoming summer transfer window. But, the Gunners face competition from fellow Premier League sides for the midfielder’s signature.
Milinkovic-Savic will enter the last 12 months of his contract this summer, which means the Italian club risk losing their star midfielder for free at the end of next season. Although the Serbian has promised his full commitment, his agent, Mateja Kezman, has informed the Serie A club that no contract renewal will be signed.
The Gunners increased their squad depth in the January transfer window by signing Jorginho from Chelsea in a £12m deal. Although it did bolster their options in the middle of the park, manager Mikel Arteta is keen to add more midfield reinforcements to make the club regular trophy challengers.
According to Italian website Calciomercato (via The Sun), Arsenal have submitted a bid for Lazio midfielder Sergej Milinkovic-Savic. Mateja Kezman has collected an offer of £35m (€40m) from the North London side, which he has presented to the Italian side.
However, the North London side are not the only English club interested in the 28-year-old, as reported by the Italian outlet. Newcastle United and West Ham have also submitted the same offer for the Lazio midfielder. Manchester United have also been long-term admirers of the player.
Nevertheless, a move for Milinkovic-Savic is imminent at the end of the campaign. The Serbian’s deal at the Serie A club ends in 2024 and he has ruled out leaving on a free transfer next season. A summer sale looks most likely, with the player preferring a move to the Premier League, especially Arsenal.
Player Analysis
Sergej Milinkovic-Savic is a Serbian midfielder with a reputation for versatility and a dynamic playing style. At 6’3”, he is a commanding presence in the centre of the pitch, capable of playing as a defensive midfielder, box-to-box midfielder, or attacking midfielder.
The Serbian has scored 64 goals and provided 59 assists in 330 appearances for Lazio (stats via Transfermarkt). He desires a fresh adventure in the Premier League and is reportedly keen to sign for Arsenal, despite rejecting their advances last year.
The 28-year-old has a particular skill in reading the game, anticipating opponents’ movements and making interceptions and tackles. He is also an adept dribbler with excellent ball control, which allows him to create space for himself and drive forward with the ball.
The Serbia international is known for his creative play and has a great passing range, being able to execute both long and short passes with ease. He is also a significant goal-scoring threat, with the ability to shoot accurately from distance or finish off moves in the box. His height and strength make him a dangerous aerial threat, and he can be a formidable player at set-pieces.
Overall, Milinkovic-Savic is a complete midfielder, able to contribute both offensively and defensively. His versatility, technical skills, and physical attributes make him a valuable asset to any team that he joins.
