ARSENAL have been handed a major boost in their pursuit of Lazio star Sergej Milinkovic-Savic, according to reports.
The 28-year-old is set to be available for half the previous asking price this summer.
Italian outlet Gazzetta Della Sport claim that the Gunners have stepped up their interest in him after finding out Lazio have lowered their demands.
Milinkovic-Savic was on the market for £88million last year with some rumours even suggesting the Serie A side wanted over £100m for the midfielder.
But with the Serbian’s contract expiring at the end of next season, Lazio would now reportedly accept bids of £44m.
His price could further decrease with his representatives looking to bring the figure down to £31m.
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Milinkovic-Savic is also wanted by Juventus and other sides are set to join the race for him with Newcastle and West Ham recently linked.
Arsenal are keen on strengthening their midfield after seeing bids for Brighton ace Moises Caicedo rejected in January.
The club are also keeping a close eye on Hammers captain Declan Rice.
Mikel Arteta already has Granit Xhaka, Thomas Partey and Jorginho as his options, but this is not thought to stop him wanting another top addition in the middle of the pitch.
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Milinkovic-Savic has been at Lazio since 2015, playing a total of 328 times for the club.
The box-to-box ace has scored 64 goals and registered 59 assists.
He has also captained Lazio ten times this season.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk