Lazio star Sergej Milinkovic-Savic is among the hottest commodities in the market, but Claudio Lotito is unwilling to sell for less than €120m even if the midfielder’s contract expires in June 2024.
Milinkovic-Savic scored his first goal at the World Cup on Monday in Serbia’s 3-3 draw against Cameroon and has arguably been among the best midfielders in Serie A over the last two seasons.
Lazio are willing to extend his contract expiring in June 2024, but it remains to be seen whether the 27-year-old will agree to pen a new deal with the Biancocelesti.
His agent Mateja Kezman, a former Chelsea striker, spoke about the midfielder’s plans in August.
“The club decides, Lotito was talking about €100m and if we look at Sergej’s performances, he may be right. However, Lazio haven’t won big trophies in Europe, so I think €100m is too much. I repeat, he is the boss, the player has a contract and we respect it,” he told Il Corriere Dello Sport.
Kezman confirmed interest from Arsenal and Newcastle but added that his client wants to play Champions League football consistently, so he did not consider offers from the Gunners and the Magpies.
Juventus have been strongly linked with a move for the Serbia international, but the recent chaos at the club has pushed transfers to the background at the Allianz Stadium.
Alfredo Pedullà reported less than two weeks ago that Juventus have already reached a principle of agreement with SMS who would only sign a new contract with Lazio if the deal comes with a reasonable release clause.
Real Madrid are also said to be interested in the talented midfielder, but Lotito seems unwilling to lower his transfer demands.
The Lazio President sees SMS as the ‘best midfielder in the world’ and has recently told Il Messaggero that he would only sell him for a fee close to €120m.