Transfer news: Lazio director denied any talks between Chelsea and Sergej Milinkovic-Savic
Lazio director, Igli Tare, has told Italian outlet Il Messaggero (h/t football.london) that no talks have taken place for the transfer of Sergej Milinkovic-Savic to Chelsea.
The Daily Mail claimed earlier that Milinkovic-Savic had been offered to Chelsea by his agent Mateo Kezman. This claim has been rubbished out with no such offer or any talks having taken place.
Chelsea are said to be interested in the Lazio man as an alternative to Declan Rice on whom West Ham United have put up a bizarre price tag. Milinkovic-Savic has been a crucial part of Lazio ever since his move to the club from KRC Genk in 2015.
The Serbian midfielder made a total of 47 appearances for Le Aquile last season, scoring 11 and assisting 12. He played a crucial part as he helped guide his team to secure a Europa League spot but now, it seems like he could take the next big step in his career.
Should Chelsea make a move for him?
Thomas Tuchel is currently overseeing a squad haul at Chelsea. They are yet to make a new signing under the new ownership but have seen senior players depart in Antonio Rudiger, Andreas Christensen and Romelu Lukaku.
Jorginho, N’Golo Kante and Mateo Kovacic are the current midfield that Tuchel prefers. Ruben Loftus-Cheek was given some game time by Tuchel last season while Ross Barkley was not preferred so much by the German.
Billy Gilmour and Conor Gallagher have returned from their respective loans and could be part of the squad next season, especially Gallaher who had an excellent last season with Crystal Palace.
With Jorginho and Kante being over 30, they are now most likely past their prime. Gilmour and Gallagher could be the future, but a strong senior leader is required in the midfield and Milinkovic-Savic fits that bill. A box-to-box midfielder, the 27-year-old could be the guiding light for the young midfielders in the middle of the park.
However, he will not come cheaply nor easily. The Blues could have to splash around £68million for the midfielder. He could be a perfect alternative to Rice, as they both share similar traits and could also potentially be the next workhorse after Kante. He could be a very sensible signing for the Blues.
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Should Chelsea decide to make a move for him, they would have to play their cards right. The lure of the Champions League and promise to compete for silverware of the highest order could be enough to convince the Serbian. However, he will not come cheap and Chelsea would have to be absolutely sure if they want to secure his signature.