Arsenal are interested in signing Sergej Milinkovic-Savic if recent reports are to be believed.
The Gunners have already completed four signings this summer, bringing in American goalkeeper Matt Turner, Portuguese midfielder Fabio Vieira as well as Brazilian duo Marquinhos and Gabriel Jesus. However, they appear to be far from done as manager Mikel Arteta looks to add experience to his young squad.
Now, Italian outlet Gazzetta dello Sport have claimed that Lazio midfielder Milinkovic-Savic is a potential transfer target for the north Londoners in this window as he has just under 24 months remaining on his contract with the Serie A club and he could reportedly cost up to £60million this summer. But what kind of player is Milinkovic-Savic?
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And what would he bring to the Emirates Stadium if he was signed? football.london takes a closer look.
Who is Sergej Milinkovic-Savic?
Aged just 27, Milinkovic-Savic is a talented midfielder born in Lleida, Spain, although he plays for the Serbian national team. He is a commanding midfielder, standing at just 6ft 3ins, currently plying his trade with Italian outfit Lazio.
He has been at the Stadio Olimpico for the last seven seasons now, establishing himself as one of Serie A's most consistent No.8s and becoming highly sought-after in the transfer market.
Why do Arsenal want him?
Last season, the Gunners looked lightweight at times in midfield as Thomas Partey and Granit Xhaka both suffered from injury. They have already added playmaker Vieira to their squad this summer and a deal for the box-to-box option of Milinkovic-Savic would add some much-needed competition for Swiss international Xhaka.
When taking a look at the 27-year-old's numbers for last season, it is easy to see why the north Londoners could be keen on bringing him to the club this summer. The former Genk star netted 11 goals and ten assists in Serie A last term whilst also averaging 1.54 key passes, 1.6 interceptions and 0.17 xA (expected assists) per 90 minutes, as per fbref.
Comparatively, Xhaka had just one goal and two assists whilst registering 1.35 key passes, 1.2 interceptions and 0.09 xA per 90. Milinkovic-Savic would also provide the physical presence that Xhaka has sometimes lacked in transition, stylistic differences between the Premier League and Serie A not something to worry about considering his athletic prowess.
What has been said?
Italian football expert Conor Clancy has previously compared the Serbian to former Manchester United playmaker Paul Pogba. Speaking about him to Sportskeeda, Clancy said: "He's very similar to Pogba in that he can do everything that Pogba does."
Lazio boss Maurizio Sarri has previously claimed that if he does leave, Milinkovic-Savic won't be staying in Serie A. “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," Sarri told Football Italia last month.
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