Chelsea have been ‘offered the chance’ to complete the signing of Lazio midfielder Milinkovic-Savic this summer, according to reports
Midfield is not the priority for Thomas Tuchel in the summer transfer window as they target defensive and attacking signings, but additions could be made should there be departures.
Milinkovic-Savic has been linked with a switch to Stamford Bridge and reports out of Italy have suggested the Blues could be interested.
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The 27-year-old has just two years remaining on his current contract with the Italian outfit, and turned down a one-year contract extension earlier this month. Lazio have reportedly set a €80 million price-tag for the player.
Fresh reports from the Daily Mail state that Lazio have now offered the Blues the chance to land the Serbian this summer.
Gazzetta dello Sport add that Lazio’s sporting director, Igli Tare, is back in London for the second time in two weeks to offer Milinkovic-Savic to the Blues.
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On top of this there are also discussions surrounding both Emerson Palmieri and Ruben Loftus-Cheek, both of whom are of interest to former Chelsea boss Maurizio Sarri.
If Chelsea are to make a move for the Serbian, they will face stiff competition from fellow Premier League clubs.
Newcastle United and Arsenal have shown interest, while Manchester United have also been linked with the midfielder, but a transfer for Barcelona’s Frenkie de Jong could cool interest completely.
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The midfielder looks to be a natural fit for the Premier League, he has the strength to bully opponents with his physicality and the technical ability on top of this.
Playing in a box-to-box role, his statistics last season were impressive, reaching double figures in the Serie A for both goals and assists, with 11 in each category.
He was a key component in helping Lazio finish fifth and securing European football for next season.
Sarri believes Milinkovic-Savic is up there with the best in the world, stating:: "I’ve coached great midfielders, like (Piotr) Zielinski and (Marek) Hamsik, and he’s one of the best. He really is a complete player with great quality.”
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He added: “Speaking to the President, I have become convinced that if Milinkovic does leave, and that will not happen easily, he will not remain in Italy.”
The door has been opened for Chelsea to swoop in and make a move for the Serbian should they want to.
The primary focus this window for the Blues has been addressing the issues in both defence and attack, but a refresh to the midfield could prove very interesting, and Milinkovic-Savic would no doubt be an excellent addition.
Topics: Chelsea, Chelsea Transfer News & Rumours, Lazio, Football, Transfers, Premier League
Sam Collins