Inter and Juventus have reportedly pulled the plug on their effort to prise Sergej Milinkovic-Savic away from Lazio. Gianluca Di Marzio says the Italian powerhouses are reluctant to meet the player’s €40 million and may not pursue his signature this summer.
Milinkovic-Savic’s departure from Lazio had looked like a near-certainty until recently. Down to the final year of his contract at the Stadio Olimpico, the 28-year-old is one of the most in-demand midfielders in Europe, let alone Serie A. But the Italian clubs remain a priority for the Serbia international.
Lazio bigwig Claudio Lotito would ideally hold on to Milinkovic-Savic due to his household stature in Rome. However, the player’s unwillingness to pen a new deal could force Lotito’s hand. Known as a stubborn negotiator, he has named a substantial asking price for his talismanic playmaker, regardless of his contractual wobble.
His demands have already scared Inter and Juventus off. Milan and Napoli are other potential candidates to land the ex-Vojvodina man. Yet unless Lazio drop their demands, Saudi Arabia could become the only viable destination for Milinkovic-Savic this summer. It’s unlikely any Italian club would agree to meet Lotito’s demands.
Juventus could still be in the race, but Inter may have changed their priorities after completing the signing of David Frattesi from Sassuolo. There’s no doubt the record-time Serie A champions will insist on a discount, though Lazio are in no mood to let one of their best players go cheaply.
 |
Follow us on Google News for more updates on Serie A and Italian football |