Arsenal have been busy in the transfer market in recent years, showing intent and ambition under the guidance of Mikel Arteta and the club’s management. Now, the Gunners are reportedly eyeing a blockbuster move for Lazio’s star midfielder, Sergej Milinković-Savić, with a rumoured price tag of £70 million. This potential transfer could significantly bolster Arsenal’s midfield options and signal the club’s commitment to returning to the top echelons of English and European football.
Who is Sergej Milinković-Savić?
Sergej Milinković-Savić, commonly known as SMS, is a Serbian international who has been a standout performer in Serie A for several seasons. Since joining Lazio from Genk in 2015, Milinković-Savić has established himself as one of the league’s most complete midfielders, known for his physicality, technical ability, and goal-scoring prowess. Standing at 6’3″, the 29-year-old midfielder combines physical dominance with a delicate touch, making him an all-rounder capable of influencing both ends of the pitch.
Milinković-Savić’s playing style is marked by his versatility. He excels in multiple midfield roles, whether as a box-to-box midfielder, a deep-lying playmaker, or an advanced playmaker just behind the strikers. His ability to score goals, provide assists, and dominate the midfield with his strength and aerial prowess has made him a coveted asset for top clubs across Europe. Last season, he contributed significantly to Lazio’s campaign, scoring key goals and providing assists that kept the Roman club in contention for European spots.
Why Arsenal Needs a Midfield General
Arsenal’s midfield has been a point of concern for several years, with the club struggling to find the right balance between creativity, defensive solidity, and physical presence. While recent signings like Thomas Partey and Martin Ødegaard have improved the midfield dynamic, inconsistencies and injuries have continued to plague the Gunners. Granit Xhaka, while experienced and influential, has often been criticized for lapses in discipline and lack of mobility, which can leave Arsenal vulnerable in transitions.
Mikel Arteta’s system relies heavily on midfield control, both in terms of dictating the pace of the game and breaking down opposition attacks. To truly compete at the highest level, Arsenal needs a midfield general—a player who can orchestrate play, contribute defensively, and provide a threat in the final third. Sergej Milinković-Savić fits this profile perfectly. His all-around game could provide the balance that Arsenal’s midfield currently lacks, adding a new dimension to Arteta’s tactical setup.
What Milinković-Savić Would Bring to Arsenal
Milinković-Savić’s potential arrival at Arsenal would bring several benefits:
Physical Presence and Aerial Dominance: One of Arsenal’s weaknesses has been their lack of physicality in midfield, particularly in aerial duels. Milinković-Savić, with his imposing frame, would offer a significant boost in this area, both defensively and offensively. His aerial ability would make Arsenal more formidable during set-pieces, an area where they have often struggled.
Versatility and Tactical Flexibility: The Serbian’s versatility would provide Arteta with tactical flexibility. He can operate as a deep-lying playmaker, a box-to-box midfielder, or even as an attacking midfielder. This adaptability would allow Arteta to tweak his midfield configurations based on the opposition, providing greater depth and variety to Arsenal’s play.
Creativity and Goal Contribution: Milinković-Savić is not just a defensive workhorse; he is also a creative force. His vision and passing range allow him to unlock defences with incisive passes, while his ability to shoot from distance adds another threat to Arsenal’s attacking arsenal. Last season, he recorded impressive statistics for goals and assists, demonstrating his ability to contribute directly to the team’s scoring.
Leadership and Experience: At 29, Milinković-Savić is entering his peak years and brings with him a wealth of experience from Serie A and international competitions. His leadership qualities on the pitch could be invaluable for a relatively young Arsenal squad, helping to guide the team through challenging moments and instilling a winning mentality.
The Financial and Strategic Implications
A £70 million fee would represent a significant investment for Arsenal, but it aligns with the club’s recent strategy of backing Arteta with quality signings. The Gunners have not shied away from big-money transfers in recent windows, as seen with the acquisitions of players like Gabriel Jesus, Declan Rice, and Ben White. Arsenal’s ownership, led by Stan and Josh Kroenke, appears committed to restoring the club’s competitive edge, and the potential signing of Milinković-Savić would be a continuation of that approach.
However, the transfer would also require careful financial planning. Arsenal have worked diligently to restructure their wage bill and avoid the financial pitfalls that have hampered their rivals. A deal of this magnitude would need to be balanced against the club’s broader financial strategy, including potential player sales and wage considerations. Players like Partey or Jorginho could potentially be sold to offset some of the costs, especially if Milinković-Savić’s arrival leads to a reshuffle in the midfield hierarchy.
Potential Challenges
While the prospect of signing Milinković-Savić is exciting, there are also challenges to consider. The Serbian has been linked with several top clubs over the years, including Manchester United, Real Madrid, and Paris Saint-Germain. Arsenal would need to act decisively to fend off competition from other European giants. Additionally, integrating a player of Milinković-Savić’s calibre into the squad mid-season or even in the next transfer window would require careful management to maintain squad harmony and tactical cohesion.
There’s also the adaptation factor. While Milinković-Savić has excelled in Serie A, the Premier League poses a different challenge with its unique pace and physicality. However, given his attributes, many believe he has the skill set to thrive in England.
Conclusion
Arsenal’s link with Sergej Milinković-Savić is a statement of intent from a club aiming to re-establish itself among Europe’s elite. His potential signing would address several of the Gunners’ long-standing issues in midfield, providing a blend of physicality, creativity, and experience that could transform Arteta’s side. While there are financial and competitive challenges to navigate, securing Milinković-Savić could be the catalyst Arsenal needs to push for major honours once again.
For Arsenal fans, the prospect of seeing Milinković-Savić in the red and white of North London is tantalizing. It represents the club’s ambition to compete at the highest level and the desire to equip Mikel Arteta with the tools needed to succeed. Whether this transfer materializes remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: Arsenal are moving in the right direction, and the addition of a player of Milinković-Savić’s calibre would be a major step forward in their journey.