Transfer News: Serie A star turns down Newcastle, Arsenal but is open to Chelsea move

Sergej Milinkovic-Savic has rejected clubs but would say yes to Chelsea

According to Corriere dello Sport, as tweeted by @Blue_Footy (h/t Football.London), Lazio midfielder Sergej Milinkovic-Savic has already turned down moves from Premier League clubs Arsenal and Newcastle United, but would say yes if Chelsea came calling.

The Serbia international has been linked with a move to Stamford Bridge since the start of this transfer window, but nothing of that sort has materialised thus far. He has been linked with top European clubs in the past as well, namely Manchester United.

Milinkovic-Savic arrived in Lazio in 2015 and has been one of the talismans for the Italian side. He has scored 58 goals and assisted 51 in 294 appearances in all competitions. He has played in almost every position across the central and attacking midfield, along with some games as a support striker.

He is 27 years old and hence, is at the peak of his powers and has plenty of football still left in him. So, if Chelsea do need to add more bodies in midfield, the Napoli man is more than a decent option.

Milinkovic-Savic can play as a central midfielder – in a three or two-man midfield, or as a number 10 behind the striker, or simply as a support striker in combination with a number nine.

The Blues are currently willing to do whatever it takes to sign Frenkie de Jong from Barcelona. However, if that does not materialise, Milinkovic-Savic won’t be a bad alternative to look at. At least that’s what some fans would believe.

The need to get a striker in is great as well after the departures of Romelu Lukaku, and soon-to-be departing Timo Werner. We’ve already done a fair bit of business this summer

Raheem Sterling’s addition is good, but it doesn’t negate the fact that the club could use a natural centre-forward to elad the line week in and week out. Carney Chukwuema and Conor Gallagher’s addition to the squad, however, would come as a timely relief.

More Chelsea News:

• Wilfried Zaha is keen on making a shock move to Chelsea this summer
• Chelsea to make a third bid for Leicester City star Wesley Fofana
• Transfer News: Chelsea are willing to cover Frenkie de Jong’s salary debt to sign him

They are still young but could be viable replacements if the ageing Jorginho and N’Golo Kante leave the club next summer after the end of their contracts. Hence, even if we don’t sign Milinkovic-Savic this summer, it won’t be the end of the world for the club.