Lazio table renewal offer to Milinkovic-Savic amid interest from Arsenal and Newcastle

Lazio have tabled a contract renewal offer to sought-after midfielder Sergej Milinkovic Savic, according to La Gazzetta dello Sport.

Lazio president Claudio Lotito has been publicly open about his desire to keep the 28-year-old at the Stadio Olimpico amid strong interest from the Premier League.

Manchester United have been credited with an interest in the player, but Arsenal and Newcastle United are understood to be at the forefront of the race for the midfielder.

West Ham United also see Milinkovic-Savic as a possible replacement for the sought-after Declan Rice., while French champions Paris Saint-Germain have sounded out interest in the Serbia international.

However, Lazio, who have been adamant in their resolve to keep Milinkovic-Savic, have now tabled a fresh contract offer to their star player.

Milinkovic-Savic’s current deal runs out in 2024, but Lazio have offered a new three-year contract that will see the midfielder earn €4 million a year with a €60m release clause.

However, it is understood the player has no plans to extend his stay with Lazio amid interest from clubs abroad.

Italian duo Juventus and AC Milan are also keeping a close eye on the midfielder’s situation. But they will struggle to table an offer strong enough to persuade Lazio to sell to a rival.

Despite their reluctance to sanction a sale this summer, Lazio have already begun their search for Milinkovic-Savic’s replacement.

Bologna midfielder Lewis Ferguson and Napoli’s Piotr Zielinski are on the club’s radar, while Sarri is also eyeing a potential reunion with Chelsea midfielder Ruben Loftus-Cheek who played some of his best football under the tutelage of the Italian tactician.

As he approaches the latter stages of his career, Milinkovic-Savic wants to play for a club in the Champions League.

While Lazio are on course to make that a reality, a move to the Premier League also appeals to the former Genk man, who has spent the last eight years in the Italian top flight.

Milinkovic-Savic has been at the centre of Lazio’s push for a place in next season’s Champions League with six goals and eight assists in 27 Serie A outings.

He also proved decisive in last weekend’s 2-1 victory over Juventus, opening the scoring to ensure a result that saw Lazio strengthen their grip on second place.