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Arsenal target Sergej Milinkovic-Savic tempted to join Gunners

By Ritayan Chatterjee on November 24, 2022

Arsenal target and Lazio ace Sergej Milinkovic-Savic is reportedly tempted to join the Londoners in the upcoming transfer window, as per a recent report in Italy.

The 27-year-old emerged as a potential target for the north London club last summer. A report even claimed that Arteta’s side made an official €55m (£47m) bid to purchase the highly-rated midfielder.

However, Lazio turned down that offer as they weren’t keen on selling their star man for the reported sum and were demanding more. On top of that, Milinkovic-Savic wasn’t enticed by the prospect of moving to the Emirates Stadium as the Gunners weren’t in the Champions League.

But, as per the print edition of Corriere dello Sport, cited and translated by Sport Witness, that situation has now changed and Arsenal have become a ‘more tempting’ destination for the Serbian following the north London club’s excellent start to this campaign. Arsenal are currently sitting at the summit of the Premier League table, five points ahead of second-placed Manchester City.

Milinkovic-Savic to Arsenal

Milinkovic-Savic’s current deal with Maurizio Sarri’s side is set to expire within 18-months. Lazio are in discussion with the player’s representatives over a new deal. However, a dispute regarding the release clause fee has stalled the negotiation process for the time being and Arsenal are looking to take advantage of the situation.

Arsenal appear to be in search of a new midfielder in the upcoming January transfer window and Milinkovic-Savic could be a very good acquisition. But, Lazio have always made it clear that they don’t want to let their biggest asset leave for cheap. So, the Emirates outfit might find it difficult to broker a deal for him this winter.

However, things could be different next summer if Milinkovic-Savic doesn’t agree on signing a new deal at Stadio Olimpico. If that were to be the case then Lazio could be forced to cash in on the Serbia international at the end of this season, in order to make the most profit out of his sale as his deal would remain only 12 months.

Therefore, Arsenal could get the opportunity of signing Milinkovic-Savic – who is valued at around €60m (£52m) by Transfermarkt – for a significantly less fee next summer. And if the club’s hierarchy can manage to get this deal over the line, on their terms, then that would be a great piece of business.