Sergej Milinkovic-Savic’s future at Lazio is still hanging in the balance despite a lack of concrete bids from abroad. According to TUTTOmercatoWEB, Chelsea and Newcastle United have so far failed to meet Claudio Lotito’s demands.
Neither side is willing to go beyond €55m to prise Milinkovic-Savic away from Lazio. However, such a figure has been deemed unacceptable by Lotito, who aims to pocket at least €80m from his prized asset’s departure.
Milinkovic-Savic’s current deal at the Stadio Olimpico runs until the summer of 2024. Moreover, the midfielder has never shown ambition to quit Lazio. All that puts the Biancocelesti in a firm bargaining position this summer.
Though aware of genuine interest in his services from Europe’s elite clubs, the 27-year-old has always been loyal to Lazio. Maurizio Sarri rewarded his standout performer for his commitment to the Biancocelesti shirt by handing him the captain’s armband in the absence of Ciro Immobile last season.
Sergej appreciates everything Lazio have done for him and is ready to remain at the club for another year. But his stellar performances in 2021/22 have not gone unnoticed. In addition to Juventus and Milan, several high-profile suitors from abroad are also in the frame.
Chelsea and Newcastle are among potential candidates to steal Milinkovic-Savic away. Lazio are familiar with the Pensioners’ intent to sign their star playmaker. Sarri was even hopeful of getting the services of Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Emerson Palmieri in return.
Yet, Lotito has no interest in accepting any counterparts in a deal to take Milinkovic-Savic away from Lazio. He insists on cash offers only instead. Everything is still open as a new transfer saga involving Sergej’s future starts gathering momentum.