Arsenal Submit Bid for Lazio's Sergej Milinkovic-Savic, Player Wants Move

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.

The Gunners have a longstanding interest in the Serbian international. The midfielder was linked with a move to the Emirates Stadium last summer, but a move could never materialise and the club signed Fabio Vieira from Porto instead.

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.

Arsenal have submitted a €40m offer for Lazio midfielder Sergej Milinkovic-Savic, but face competition from West Ham & #NUFC according to Calcio Mercato 🤔

The Serbian international has provided 12 goals and assists in 21 league games this season.https://t.co/WTE9nYFOt5 pic.twitter.com/rOdL5A8erO

— Magpie 24/7 (@Magpie24_7) February 27, 2023

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.

Sergej Milinkovic-Savic has the THIRD highest % of key passes recorded as big chances in the Top 5 leagues this season (out of those with 25+) 🦅🇷🇸

🥇 Messi – 41.2%
🥈 Mbappe – 39.4%
🥉 Milinkovic-Savic – 36.4%

📊 via WhoScored pic.twitter.com/HJLq2naciC

— Italian Football TV (@IFTVofficial) March 3, 2023

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.

Sergej Milinković-Savić received 6.17 progressive passes per 90 for Lazio last season, ranking him in the TOP 2% of midfielders in Europe.

The ideal number 8 for Ten Hag’s Man Utd. 👀 pic.twitter.com/PcLq6TFDGt

— Statman Dave (@StatmanDave) August 9, 2022

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.

Verdict:

Arsenal have been linked to Sergej Milinkovic-Savic in the past and may have already laid the groundwork for a potential deal. Additionally, the team’s almost certain qualification for next season’s Champions League gives them an advantage in negotiations. West Ham United’s Declan Rice is also a player of interest for the Gunners.

To secure the Serbian midfielder’s services, manager Arteta and Sporting Director Edu will need a solid plan, as competition from other clubs like Newcastle United and West Ham, who may be encouraged to pursue high-profile signings if they finish in the top-four, is fierce.

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