ARSENAL are reportedly “leading the race for long-term Manchester United transfer target Sergej Milinkovic-Savic” with Lazio allegedly set to “finally sell” their star.
The 39-capped Serbian international has been linked with a move to the Premier League for years.
Chelsea and Manchester United have both been keen on signing him.
However, we reported earlier this month how Arsenal are now his most likely destination with Mikel Arteta’s side looking to win the race for him.
Lazio’s club president Claudio Lotito has been vocal about his wish to keep Milinkovic-Savic and has been consistent about saying how highly valued he is at the Rome club.
However, the 27-year-old is now entering the final 18 months of his contract in the Italian capital.
READ MORE ON ARSENAL
And Corriere dello Sport are claiming that Lazio do not want to risk losing Milinkovic-Savic for nothing, which could lead to them cashing in come January.
The report says that the Premier League leaders, who beat West Ham 3-1 on Boxing Day, have firmed up their interest in the ace over recent months.
They even scouted him during Lazio’s 2-0 win over Verona in September.
Milinkovic-Savic initially wanted to join a club competing in the Champions League, which scuppered the Gunners’ hopes of signing him last summer.
Most read in Football
HOW TO GET FREE BETS ON FOOTBALL
But Arsenal’s stunning form means they are bang on course to return to Europe’s elite competition next term.
Now this latest update says that Milinkovic-Savic is open to joining Arteta’s project and his agent, ex-Chelsea striker Mateja Kezman, is looking at options for his client.
He is looking to secure a transfer bid of between £35.2 and £44m to take to Lazio with Arsenal considered to be in pole position.
Although, it does add that the North London club have not yet tabled an official offer.
Milinkovic-Savic has played over 300 times for Lazio since joining from Belgian side Genk back in 2015.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
