Arsenal have been linked with Sergej Milinkovic-Savic quite heavily recently and now it seems clear why – contract negotiations at Lazio.

Press claim Arsenal and Juventus eye Lazio’s Sergej Milinkovic-Savic for summer move

Sergej Milinkovic-Savic, the talented Lazio midfielder, has attracted reported interest from Arsenal and Juventus as his contract nears its expiration in 2024, if you are to believe the numerous media reports.

Despite Lazio’s efforts to renew the Serbian international’s contract, the player and his agent, Mateja Kezman, appear determined to explore options in the upcoming transfer window.

As we know, one strategy employed by agents to increase the value and interest in their clients is planting rumours in the media.

Agent games

Agents can create hype around their clients by leaking information or rumours about potential transfers, interest from big clubs, or contract negotiations. These rumours are shared with journalists or media outlets, who may publish the story to generate buzz around the player.

This increased attention can lead to the player becoming more desirable, raising their market value and potentially securing more lucrative contracts or endorsements.

Agents might also use these tactics to put pressure on a player’s current club during contract negotiations.

By creating the impression that their client is attracting interest from other clubs, agents can force the player’s club to offer better terms or risk losing the player.

Renewal attempts by Lazio

Lazio president Claudio Lotito is reportedly not ready to give up on retaining the 28-year-old.

In the coming weeks, the club plans to offer a new contract with a salary exceeding €4m per season (€80kow) with a release clause.

The Champions League leap

With Lazio currently second place in Serie A, the club hopes to secure a spot in the Champions League next season.

This could be a factor in convincing Milinkovic-Savic to stay.

However, the midfielder has postponed making the leap to a ‘bigger’ club several times in previous seasons, and a move to Arsenal or Juventus may finally fulfil that aspiration, if they are actually interested.

A €40m price tag

If Lazio does decide to sell their prized asset, they are expected to demand a fee of around €40m.