In what will come as a blow to Chelsea in their pursuit of Lazio midfielder Sergej Milinkovic-Savic, the midfielder is now believed to be open to making a move to Arsenal either in January or next summer.
The Gooners along with us and Manchester United have been interested in the 27-year-old. The north London side even tried to sign the Serbian international during the summer, but the player was not keen on a move.
However, Italian journalist Giulio Cardone while speaking to radio station Radiosei (h/t Football. London) has claimed that the midfielder has now changed his stance on making a move to the Premier League leaders.
Arsenal have been enjoying a stellar season so far, sitting top of the league as Mikel Arteta’s side look like a force to reckon with. Given the competition from Manchester City at the top, it is not surprising to see the Gooners dip again in the market next month.
Chelsea, meanwhile, have struggled this season, with Graham Potter’s side sitting eight on the table, 16 points behind their neighbours. There is a need to reinforce our midfield, especially with Jorginho and N’Golo Kante seeing their contract expire at the end of this season.
Milinkovic-Savic has been one the best players for Lazio this season, scoring five goals in 20 appearances in all competitions. He was also part of the Serbian team for the World Cup, featuring in three games for them as they crashed out in the group stage.
Arsenal lead the race for Sergej Milinkovic-Savic amid Chelsea interest. (Photo by Marco Rosi – SS Lazio/Getty Images)
The 27-year-old is a tall and commanding figure to have in one’s midfield and this is something that the Blues could do with. We have lacked such a figure in the middle of the park this season, and the 27-year-old could help solve that problem.
However, it looks like the Gooners are leading the race for his signature. The Blues could use his agent Mateja Kezman who is a former Chelsea player and try and pursue the midfielder to make a move to west London.
January is the best time for Lazio to cash in on their star midfielder as he enters the final 18 months of this contract. Whoever the midfielder joins, he will provide them with an instant upgrade and it remains to be seen if the west London side can win the race for his signature.
