Report: Lazio will attempt to ward off Arsenal's interest for Millinkovic-Savic

Sergej Milinkovic-Savic

Report: Lazio will attempt to ward off Arsenal's interest for Millinkovic-Savic

Faruq Ibrahim 17:18 - 05.04.2023

Lazio are reportedly planning a move to prevent Sergej Milinkovic-Savic from leaving the club next summer.

Lazio will make a last-ditch attempt to renew Sergej Milinkovic-Savic's contract to prevent him from leaving on a free transfer at the end of next season, according to reports. 

The 28-year-old is one of the top performers in Serie A since signing from Genk in the summer of 2015, making him a subject of interest for many European clubs. 

However, Lazio have held off suitors for their gem, but with his contract running down and his current stance to not renew, they might be forced into selling him next summer or avoid losing him on a free transfer after, and Arsenal are one of the clubs said to be lurking and readying to pounce.  

Lazio set to offer Savic new contract

According to La Gazzetta Dello Sport, Lazio are set to make a fresh attempt at convincing Milinkovic-Savic to renew his contract at the club. 

Sergej Milinkovic-Savic in action for Serbia
Sergej Milinkovic-Savic in action for Serbia

The Serb has reportedly failed to put pen to paper despite several advances by Lazio, as he is said to be waiting for the summer transfer window, but the capital club are not backing down and will try to renew his contract once more. 

Lazio are said to be willing to offer him up to €4 million a season and will even be open to inserting a release clause.  

Should the player refuse to sign, the club will want at least €40 million from suitors looking to take him away in the summer, according to reports, and Juventus and Arsenal are said to be monitoring his situation.

Arsenal interested in Savic

Meanwhile, according to Calciomercato, Arsenal have tabled a bid worth €40 million to the player's agent, Matej Kezman, who used to rival the Gunners in his playing days at Chelsea. 

However, Newcastle and West Ham have also made similar moves, and Arsenal could find themselves in a bidding war with their Premier League rivals. 

With their failed pursuit of Moises Caicedo and subsequent signing of Jorginho, Mikel Arteta and sporting director Edu have shown an interest in improving Arsenal's midfield. With three players available for Arteta to choose from in the base of midfield when everyone is fit, the club is now focusing on improving the more advanced areas of the midfield, and Millinkovic-Savic fits the bill. 

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