Arsenal are on the lookout to strengthen their midfield during the January transfer window. The club panicked toward the end of the summer window after a serious injury befell Mohamed Elneny and they pushed for Douglas Luiz on deadline day but were unable to convince Aston Villa to sell.
Arsenal links to Lazio midfielder Sergej Milinkovic-Savic continue to circulate. The Serbian international is away with his national team in Qatar at the World Cup.
According to Corriere dello Sport via Sport Witness Arsenal have become a ‘more tempting’ destination for Milinkovic-Savic due to their strong form this season. Sitting five points clear of Manchester City at the top of the table, they could potentially offer the Champions League football and title-chasing ambitions that match the Serb.
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However, football.london understands that Brazilian midfielder Danilo is the player the club have held an interest in and had been keen on in the previous window. The club could return for the Palmeiras man in the winter window which would likely rule out a move for Milinkovic-Savic.
Danilo can operate in both Thomas Partey and Granit Xhaka’s roles whereas the Serbian is seen a more offensive midfield option. There are greater needs for Mikel Arteta’s side in the deeper areas of the middle third.
That said, Milinkovic-Savic would provide a world-class midfield option that surely pushes the quality needle of their side as they aim for a title charge. The financial side of the deal would see a fee potential as much as three times that of Danilo however who would have a reported valuation in the region of £20-£25 million.
Arsenal have other desires this winter with a potential forward also being looked at. football.london understands that the Gunners have held a long-term interest in Ukrainian Mykhaylo Mudryk.
However, Shakhtar Donetsk are said to be hoping for a potential ten-figure sum for their star man which came as quite a shock to the 21-year-old. Even if Arsenal can negotiate down the fee, balancing the investment to cover the two key positions means that a move for Milinkovic-Savic becomes even more unlikely to happen.
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