Lazio midfield talisman Sergej Milinkovic-Savic has grown to become one of Serie A’s most consistent performers since moving to the capital club in the summer of 2015 from Belgian outfit KRC Genk. The versatile central midfielder has long been touted to move away from Stadio Olimpico, given his status as an underachiever in the Biancocelesti ranks.
Milinkovic-Savic’s growing reputation as a powerhouse in midfield has garnered the attention of many top European clubs, including Italian giants Juventus and Inter. Paris Saint-Germain and Manchester United are also said to be keeping close tabs on the midfield ace.
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According to latest reports from Barcelona-based news outlet El Nacional, Juventus and other interested clubs are facing the threat of one particular Spanish giant luring away the Spanish-born Serbian center-half. Record European champions Real Madrid are reportedly willing to sign him as a potential successor to 32-year-old veteran and World Cup winner Toni Kroos.
Los Blancos president Florentino Perez has maintained positive relations with the Serbian’s agent Mateja Kezman since almost four years and now view him as an ideal replacement in Madrid’s aging midfield. It is reported that the Spanish giants observed the midfielder’s fine performances at Serbia’s disappointing World Cup campaign in 2018 and were put eventually put off by Lazio president Claudio Lotito, who demanded more than €100m for the then 23-year-old midfielder.
Milinkovic-Savic has a contract valid until the summer of 2024 and his valuation of €70m (via transfermarkt) would be the price tag that will make him accessible as a transfer target for any interested club. However, Lazio expect nothing less than €80m. On the other hand, Real Madrid are positive that €60m will do the job.
Coach Carlo Ancelotti is an admirer of the player and the 26-year-old would find it hard to pass up an opportunity to become a regular at Santiago Bernabeu, given his admiration for Real Madrid, but he is happy to stay in Rome, thanks to his growing reputation.
Juventus and Inter are also keeping close tabs on the developments surrounding his situation with the Biancocelesti, according to reports from TuttoJuve.
Given his influence at Lazio as the club’s main playing asset, he has been retained at every transfer opportunity that has arisen, but it remains to be seen how much longer Lotito will be able to hold out on offers.