Transfer News: Chelsea in initial talks with Lazio for Sergej Milinkovic-Savic
According to CalcioNews24(h/t football. london), Chelsea have opened talks are in the initial stage to bring Lazio midfielder Sergej Milinkovic-Savic to Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea are interested in signing the £68 million rated midfielder to strengthen their midfield. The Serbian has two years left in his current contract and no signs of him planning to renew, Chelsea could make a move for him this summer.
Maurizio Sarri, who is also Chelsea former boss, has shown interest in Chelsea’s Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Emerson Palmieri; but a potential swap deal involving these players for Milinkovic-Savic has already been rubbished.
The above report adds that Sarri will be willing to let go of the midfielder should his former players join him in Italy. This could be a major boost to Chelsea as they hope to sign the Serbian midfielder.
A good signing?
Last season was disappointing for the Blues as they lost the FA Cup and Carabao Cup, and Tuchel will be hoping to strengthen the team this season, especially the midfield. The trio of Mateo Kovacic, N’Golo Kante and Jorginho are the regular starters in the middle of the park, but they have been overworked.
Loftus-Cheek was the backup to this trio and was not trusted so much by Tuchel. Saul Niguez’s loan time at Chelsea was highlighted by him spending most of his time on the bench. Billy Gilmour will return from loan at Norwich City and will most likely be a backup player, while Ross Barkley hardly played last season, something which is unlikely to change next season.
Adding a midfielder would be one of the top priorities for Tuchel if he wants to compete for silverware next season. Milinkovic-Savic could help solve this problem. A box-to-box midfielder, the Serbian played 37 league games for Lazio scoring and assisting 11 apiece, helping his side finish fifth and secure Europa League qualification.
He would also be an excellent alternative to Declan Rice for whom West Ham United are asking enormous money. The Serbian has similar traits as compared to the Englishman and could be a very reasonable and sensible signing. He could be the workhorse of the team after Kante.
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Chelsea have to play their cards right to land the player. The lure of Champions League and Premier League experience could be enough, but his price tag could be a problem. However, the price can be negotiated down and he could prove to be an excellent signing for Tuchel.
