Despite some early rumors, Sergej Milinkovic-Savic was never close to leaving Juventus in January. The club will have a few more months to try agreeing with him on a new contract. His current one expires in 2024, making his summer departure a foregone conclusion without an extension.
According to Corriere dello Sport, the Biancocelesti didn’t receive sizeable offers in the past window. President Claudio Lotito and director Igli Tare have phoned his agent Mateja Kezman to set up a meeting. He will be in Rome in the next few days.
The upcoming summit will be pivotal for the future of Sergej Milinkovic-Savic at Lazio. Finishing in the top four would boost their chances of retaining him. While the club had set a €100M price tag in previous months, they won’t get more than €60/70M in June, and probably lower. Arsenal and Newcastle inquired but didn’t go too far.
The fact that the midfielder is 28 and hasn’t played much in Europe brings down his valuation. Juventus, which has been often rumored to be the leading destination, are no longer in the picture given their legal troubles. Although, the two sides completed a deadline-day move, with Luca Pellegrini transferring to the capital side on loan with option to buy.
Tare addressed the talks with Milinkovic-Savic before the Coppa Italia game versus the Old Lady (via Sky).
“I know where things are at, and it’s not a saga. Everything will be settled at the right time. I don’t read what’s being written and I don’t proceed with ‘ifs’ and ‘buts.’ I’m serene and always confident. As for Pellegrini, the coach indicated a need, and we managed to sign a youngster that loves our colors.”
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