Arsenal enter the battle to sign €70m-rated Serbia international

Arsenal and Chelsea have had exploratory contacts with Lazio director Igli Tare to enquire about the availability of Sergej Milinkovic-Savic. The Serie A giants’ executive had flown to London last month for negotiations on many subjects, including the 27-year-old midfielder.

Arsenal and Chelsea have been in the market for footballers in several positions. Both teams are going through an intense phase in the summer transfer window to try and secure their preferred targets, which has not been an easy ride.

The difficulties posed by the window were evident in their collective chase of Raphinha, who eventually ended up joining Barcelona. One of the positions both teams need a quality player in is midfield, with several options touted about in recent times.

Serbia international’s name has been mentioned more than once, and there were whispers the player could finally make a switch to the PL. The Serbian midfielder has long been linked with many English teams, most notably Man United, but somehow continued to play for Lazio.

The Gunners reportedly had a bid rejected some time back by Lazio, with the Serie A giants keeping a firm stance on their valuation of nearly €80m. The London giants have continued to explore the market for a new midfielder with attacking prowess, and irrespective of the price tag, Sergej is a good option. Youri Tielemans remains their topmost priority, while there are links with Arthur Melo and Lucas Paqueta.