Serie A giants Juventus and Inter Milan have refused to match Lazio’s demands for Sergej Milinkovic-Savic, according to Gianluca Di Marzio.
The Serbian midfielder has been heavily linked with a move away from Stadio Olimpico this summer, but Lazio’s demands have put off several potential suitors.
Lazio chief Claudio Lotito has repeatedly declined offers from clubs keen on taking the highly-rated midfielder away from Rome.
With one year now remaining on Milinkovic-Savic’s contract, Lotito has softened his stance on the player’s long-term future but has no plans to let him go cheaply.
Lazio are reportedly demanding €40 million, but Juventus and Inter are not prepared to match their demands.
Having convinced Adrien Rabiot to extend his stay at the Allianz Stadium for at least another year, Juventus have halted their pursuit of Milinkovic-Savic unless Lazio reduce their asking price.
The same applied to Inter, who recently announced the signing of Sassuolo midfielder Davide Frattesi on a season-long loan with an obligation to buy.
AC Milan and Napoli were also interested in the Serbia international. But like their Italian counterparts, they refuse to get anywhere near the €40m asking price.
Milinkovic-Savic is also a target for several clubs in Saudi Arabia, with his agent Mateja Kezman confirming as much.
However, it is understood the former Genk man is unwilling to move to the Middle East and favours staying in Europe.
With substantial transfer proposals now hard to come by, Milinkovic-Savic could remain at Lazio beyond this summer, with the Biancocelesti confident of extending his contract beyond 2024.
