Sergej Milinkovic-Savic pushing for Lazio exit amid Chelsea links
Lazio midfielder Sergej Milinkovic-Savic may finally be getting his big move this summer. Once valued at €100m, the Serbian won’t fetch nearly as much in the current market but nevertheless, could still fetch his club a beneficial deal.
According to the Italian outlet Il Messaggero (h/t The Express), there is turmoil at Lazio and some of it stems from Milinkovic-Savic’s desire to leave after seven long years in the Italian capital.
The 27-year-old’s agent, former Chelsea striker Mateja Kezman, has already made it very clear to Lazio chiefs that his client wants to leave this window and it looks like head coach Maurizio Sarri is okay with the idea of not having the Serb at his disposal next season.
In recent days, Lazio have reportedly been in touch with Chelsea regarding a potential move for left-back Emerson Palmieri and midfielder Ruben Loftus-Cheek. Sarri, who spent a season with them during his time at Chelsea, is keen on bringing the pair to the Stadio Olimpico.
It is now a possibility that Milinkovic–Savic could move to Chelsea, with Emerson and Loftus-Cheek heading the other way to Lazio in a two-for-one swap.
Negotiations however are from advance and any progress on this front is likely to progress only after the Blues take care of ongoing business first. Chelsea are currently focused on getting the deals for Raheem Sterling and Matthijs de Ligt over the line.
Do Chelsea need Milinkovic-Savic?
Unless Chelsea manages to offload more names from midfield, it is difficult to see how Milinkovic-Savic would fit in. Conor Gallagher, who turned plenty of heads during his loan spell at Crystal Palace, is set to be assessed by Thomas Tuchel during pre-season and there’s a strong possibility that he will make the squad next season.
There’s N’Golo Kante and Mateo Kovacic as well, and Jorginho too. Although, the Italian midfielder is of interest to Juventus with whom Chelsea are in constant touch regarding De Ligt.
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It’s hard to see where Milinkovic-Savic fits in, until Chelsea part with at least one more name besides Loftus-Cheek. The Boehly-Clearlake administration are yet to show serious interest in the Lazio midfielder this window. Whether that will change or not, we will have to wait and see.