Arsenal could launch £51 million bid to sign midfielder referred to as 'better than Pogba' by former Chelsea star: Reports

Arsenal are reportedly preparing to launch a £51 million bid to sign Lazio midfielder Sergej Milinkovic-Savic, who former Chelsea striker Mateja Kezman claims is better than Paul Pogba.

Milinkovic-Savic, 27, has enjoyed a good season for Lazio, making 47 appearances, scoring 11 goals and contributing 12 assists. The Serbian midfielder is highly sought after and it seems Arsenal are now in the running.

According to Corriere dello Sport (via HITC), Mikel Arteta's side are interested in signing the 27-year-old Serbian. Arsenal are reportedly willing to pay £42.7 million but could even be ready to bid £51 million in their attempts to lure Milinkovic-Savic to the Emirates Stadium.

Lazio president Claudio Lotito, however, is reportedly demanding as much as £55.51 million to part ways with his star man. Former Chelsea striker Kezman had previously heaped huge praise on his Serbian compatriot.

He told Mozzart Sport back in 2018 (via The Sun):

"When Sergej came to Italy, he was compared with Pogba, because at that moment it was probably the easiest comparison to make in terms of characteristics.

He continued,

"I do really respect Pogba, let's be clear, and other linkers who can run and work for the team, but I think now Sergej has different and better quality than Pogba."

Pogba is leaving Manchester United having spent six years at Old Trafford. Ironically, the Red Devils are another side being linked with Milinkovic-Savic as a potential replacement for the outgoing Pogba.

La Repubblica (via GetFootballNewsItaly), reports that former Chelsea forward Kezman, who is Milinkovic-Savic's agent, brought a £46.9 million offer from United to Lazio. This was sometime during Lazio's final league match of the Serie A campaign against Hellas Verona in the recently concluded season.

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Arsenal view Sergej Milinkovic-Savic as an alternative to Ruben Neves with Chelsea also in the mix

Wolves' Neves is a summer target for Mikel Arteta

Arsenal have been linked with a move for Wolverhampton Wanderers midfielder Ruben Neves this summer. The Sun reports that Arsenal have joined Manchester United in the race for the Portuguese ace.

However, Wolves are demanding a hefty fee for the 25-year-old, with Bruno Lage having previously stated that the side would want around £100 million (per ExpressAndStar).

Hence, Arsenal may look for a cheaper alternative option in the form of Lazio's Milinkovic-Savic.

Chelsea are also reportedly interested in the Serb, however, with Football London reporting they could use Lazio's interest in Ruben Loftus-Cheek to sweeten the deal.

Mikel Arteta has also been linked with a move for Leicester City midfielder Youri Tielemans. However, as per the aforementioned report from the Sun, he wants to play Champions League football next season.