AC Milan have reignited their interest in long-serving Lazio playmaker Sergej Milinkovic-Savic as they begin a hunt for Sandro Tonali’s long-term replacement.
Tonali completed his move to Newcastle United on Friday, pouring €70 million into the Rossoneri coffers but leaving a gaping void in Stefano Pioli’s midfield.
His big-money switch to St James’ Park has unlocked Milan’s summer dealings, forcing the former Serie A champions to scour the market for the Italian’s heir.
They intend to use the money from Tonali’s sale to bolster their midfield options and ensure strength in depth, especially amid Ismael Bennacer’s lengthy spell on the sidelines.
Milinkovic-Savic was on their radar last summer, but a lack of funds quickly ruled the seven-time European champions out of the picture, which will change in light of recent events.
As claimed by PianetaMilan, Milan are ready to rival arch-rivals Inter Milan for the Serbia international, whose career at Lazio is nearing a long-overdue end.
Since he’s about to walk into the final 12 months of his contract at the Stadio Olimpico and has no intention of committing his future to Maurizio Sarri’s side, the 28-year-old is up for sale.
For years, several clubs from the Premier League and Serie A have been trying to convince the Biancocelesti president Claudio Lotito to offload his standout performer but to no avail.
But Milinkovic-Savic’s decision not to renew his deal has changed the landscape, encouraging Milan and Inter to pursue his signature with more vigour.
Both San Siro clubs are ahead of Juventus and other English suitors, with the eternal nemesis also ready to battle it out for Sassuolo’s Davide Frattesi.
Like his Lazio counterpart, the 23-year-old midfielder could be counting his final days at the Mapei Stadium after taking a central stage in wild transfer speculation in Italy.
Milan must add at least one top-class player to their depleted engine room, but it wouldn’t be a surprise if they pip Inter to both targets.
