Maurizio Sarri has handed Chelsea, Arsenal and Tottenham a huge boost towards securing the services of Sergej Milinkovic-Savic. The 27-year-old has been heavily linked with a move to the Premier League in recent times, and the Lazio boss has hinted that his all-encompassing midfielder is finally set for a summer switch.
The Serbia international has featured 36 times for the former Blues boss in Serie A this season, directly contributing towards 22 goals. Since taking centre stage at Stadio Olimpico, his impressive displays for the Italian giants have courted the interest of several leading European sides.
According to the Mirror, Milinkovic-Savic was among the top targets on Chelsea's transfer shopping list under Frank Lampard. The report claims that the west Londoners had sent scouts to watch the Serbian ply his trade, and were ready to table a £70 million bid.
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The Lazio midfielder has also courted interest from Arsenal in the past, according to Italian journalist Giulio Cardone via Radio Sei in 2018, with the north Londoners keen to rival Manchester United for his signature. The report claimed that Unai Emery's side had offered Milinkovic-Savic a contract.
Several widespread reports have also linked Tottenham with fresh interest in the £59m-rated midfielder ahead of the summer. However, the trident of London rivals reportedly face stern competition from Real Madrid, Paris Saint-Germain, Bayern Munich, Juventus and Manchester United.
But Sarri has ruled out the prospect of Milinkovic-Savic joining an Italian side in the upcoming window which has left the door wide open for Chelsea, Arsenal and Spurs to pounce. As quoted by Fabrizio Romano, the former Blues boss said: "I'm not sure that Sergej Milinkovic-Savic will leave this summer as it's not easy. But I'm convinced that if it happens, Milinkovic will sign for a foreign club and not an Italian one."
