According to reports, Arsenal is keen on signing Lazio midfielder Sergej Milinkovic-Savic in the upcoming summer transfer window.
The Gunners had made two unsuccessful bids for Brighton’s Moises Caicedo during the January transfer window, so they had to settle for Chelsea’s midfielder Jorginho instead. Many questioned Jorginho’s move to the Emirates, but so far the Italian international has shown great quality.
However, Arsenal still has problems in the midfield. Given Thomas Partey’s injury-prone nature and that Albert Sambi Lokongais not ready for the first team, Arsenal will likely need to make another midfield signing in the summer.
Milinkovic-Savic is the top target for Mikel Arteta. The Serbian has been enjoying a successful season in Serie A with Lazio, scoring four goals and providing eight assists in 21 appearances.
Manchester United has been previously linked with the midfielder, but it is now Arsenal who are reportedly in the lead for his signature.
The Gunners, along with West Ham and Newcastle, have made concrete offers for the Serbian midfielder, with his agent Mateja Kezman collecting offers of around €40m.
Milinkovic-Savic’s contract with Lazio is set to expire in June 2024 and a contract renewal is unlikely. Lazio will look to sell the Serbian in the upcoming transfer window.
Arsenal had already been linked with Milinkovic-Savic last summer, and football pundit Paul Merson believes that clubs would be “missing a trick” if they do not make a move for the talented midfielder.
“The way he played for Lazio last season I personally think he is the best midfield player in Italy. I know Manchester United have been linked with him in the past, but why there isn’t a queue of clubs lining up to buy the Serbian, I do not know.
“I think a lot of clubs are missing a trick.”
After a crucial win against Leicester City, Arsenal finds themselves leading the table with a two-point advantage over Manchester City.
Mikel Arteta expressed his delight over the team’s recent performances, especially winning two away games since their loss to Guardiola’s side earlier this month: “It was really important because it creates more belief in the players, around the club and externally.
“But I had the belief the players could do it. It was coming back to some details and basics that get games away from us that we made much more. The last two games – especially today – we have done it much more.
“(We conceded) some sloppy goals with individual errors which are part of football.
“But the fact that we are not conceding goals and giving away chances is really important if you want to be constantly winning matches.”
