As part of a possible move for Sergej Milinkovic-Savic, Lazio could ask for one of three Chelsea players, according to La Gazzetta dello Sport. Chelsea have reportedly joined Manchester United, Newcastle United, and Arsenal on the list of teams interested in signing the 27-year-old midfielder, according to the Italian site....CONTINUE READING
However, the London club has neither made a bid or made contact. Thomas Tuchel, who is reputed to like Milinkovic-Savic.
In the end, Lazio’s asking price of €80 million (£68.7 million) may have been a factor.
La Gazzetta dello Sport, on the other hand, reported that if Chelsea were to make a move, Lazio would want for a player swap plus cash instead. Ruben Loftus-Cheek, Emerson Palmieri, and Kepa Arrizabalaga are all rumored to be targets for Lazio manager Maurizio Sarri.
Chelsea reportedly values Loftus-Cheek at €20 million (£17.2 million), making him one of the leading prospects to succeed Milinkovic-Savic in the starting lineup. Lazio may believe that Loftus-present Cheek’s pay is reasonable for the player.
A swap of Loftus-Cheek for Milinkovic-Savic would not detract from Tuchel’s midfield options in the upcoming season, which include returning loanees Ethan Ampadu, Conor Gallagher, and Billy Gilmour.
Chelsea reportedly want to sell Emerson this summer after he spent last season on loan at Lyon. The Blues are thought to value the Italy international at €10m (£8.6m) despite the fact that he has two years left on his contract.
With Marcos Alonso apparently planning a move back to Spain this summer, keeping Emerson looks like the safest bet for Tuchel at this point in time. However, Arrizabalaga’s high price tag means that he is unlikely to go. Since his salary is so large, Chelsea would also have to pay part of Lazio’s salary for him on loan.
