LAZIO have identified Bologna star Lewis Ferguson as a potential replacement for Arsenal target Sergej Milinkovic-Savic, reports suggest.
The Gunners are looking to strengthen in midfield in the summer transfer window and Milinkovic-Savic is among Mikel Arteta’s top candidates.
And according to TuttoMercato, the Biancocelesti have accepted the high possibility of losing the Serbia international in June and are already making contingency plans.
The Serie A giant’s “hottest” target is Scottish star Ferguson, who has stood out in Italy this season.
The midfielder has scored four goals in 22 appearances with Bologna.
However, Maurizio Sarri’s team is facing a bidding war with other major Italian clubs over the 23-year-old’s signature.
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That works as a major boost for Arsenal, who are determined to add firepower in the middle of the park after being linked with Brighton’s Moises Caicedo as well as West Ham’s Declan Rice.
However, the North Londoners are also facing competition from Juventus as well as Newcastle and the Hammers.
But the Premier League leaders received another boost as Milinkovic-Savic will be available for half his previous asking price.
The Serbian was on the market for £88million last year with some rumours even suggesting the Serie A side wanted over £100m.
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But with the ex-Genk star’s contract expiring at the end of next season, Lazio would now accept bids of £44m.
The versatile midfielder’s price could further decrease with his representatives looking to bring the figure down to £31m.
Milinkovic-Savic has scored six goals and provided eight assists in 36 appearances this season.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
