Chelsea have been offered the chance to sign Lazio star Sergej Milinkovic-Savic for just £34million this summer. The Blues are currently in talks with Brighton regarding a deal to sign Moises Caicedo, but Milinkovic-Savic could prove to be the perfect cheap alternative.
football.london understands that Arsenal tried to sign Caicedo in January, submitting two bids which were swiftly rejected - however, they have now cooled their interest in the 21-year-old. Despite having pushed for an exit, Caicedo signed a contract extension a few of months later, which keeps him at the Amex Stadium until 2027.
football.london understands that the Blues hold a strong interest in the Ecuador international, and they're aware he could cost in the region of £80million. Reports have stated that Caicedo has already agreed personal terms with Chelsea and now it is down to the two clubs to negotiate a fee - with the Ecuador international said to have been promised that he could leave Brighton this summer.
Considering Chelsea have already parted ways with N'Golo Kante, Mateo Kovacic and Ruben Loftus-Cheek, it could see the Blues look to sign more than one new central midfielder ahead of next season. A report from CaughtOffside has now revealed that Milinkovic-Savic has been offered to the west Londoners as he enters the final 12 months of his contract with Lazio.
Former Blues player Mateja Kezman is the Serbian midfielder's agent and this could help the Blues negotiate a deal that would see the 28-year-old move to Stamford Bridge this summer. The report adds that Chelsea like Milinkovic-Savic and are ready to consider him as one potential option to strengthen their midfield.
Caicedo and Southampton talent Romeo Lavia are thought to be more of a priority for the Blues, but Milinkovic-Savic represents a cheap alternative and could be the perfect partner for Enzo Fernandez in midfield. The Serbian international has impressed during his time in Italy and is regarded as a strong box-to-box midfielder.
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Milinkovic-Savic scored 11 goals and provided a further eight assists in 47 appearances for Lazio last term - proving he can contribute goals and assists from a deeper position which is something Chelsea lacked last season. Juventus and other Premier League clubs have been touted as potential destinations for the 28-year-old, but it seems Kezman is keen on helping his former side solve their midfield problems and would be willing to negotiate a deal to bring Milinkovic-Savic to Stamford Bridge.
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