Arsenal ready to sacrifice Mikel Arteta signing among big steps to snatch long-term Man Utd midfield target

Arsenal are reportedly ‘willing to do anything’ to secure the signing of Sergej Milinkovic-Savic, including sacrificing a recent Mikel Arteta addition.

Milinkovic-Savic is frequently the subject of heavy links to a transfer away from Lazio. Indeed, he has been touted with a move to a host of big sides in the past.

The Premier League tends to look one of the most likely destinations. Most of the big clubs in England have been discussed alongside the Serbian midfielder at one point or another.

The side that crops up the most, though, is Manchester United. Not a transfer window goes by when there is not some conversation linking the two parties.

However, as yet, nothing has come of the links. Instead, the midfielder has remained at Lazio for almost seven years now, since joining from Genk in 2015.

While Milinkovic-Savic‘s talent has always been evident, it took him a little while to hit the ground running.

Indeed, in his first season with Lazio, he contributed to just four goals in 35 games in all competitions. The following season, though, that tally rose to 15 goals involvements.

The midfielder has since grown into one of the most consistent performers in Serie A. Last season, he scored 11 goals and provided as many assists in the league.

So far this campaign, he has been on top of his game, too. The Serbian has already been involved in 11 goals in the first 15 games of the season in all competitions.

Indeed, he seems as deserving as ever of a move to a big side.

Arsenal ready to move heaven and earth

While United tend to be the most heavily-linked side in England, it is Arsenal who now look somewhat likely to secure the move.

Indeed, Calciomercatoweb reports that the Gunners are ‘willing to do anything’ to secure Milinkovic-Savic’s services.

That includes sacrificing a man that Arteta only bought last summer, Albert Sambi Lokonga. The Belgian has not quite had the desired impact during his time in north London.

The midfielder managed just 19 league appearances in his first season with Arsenal. This term, Lokonga has made it onto the pitch for just 196 minutes in the league.

Should the Gunners manage to use him as a makeweight for Milinkovic-Savic, they should consider it good business.

Milinkovic-Savic transfer plan clear

Arsenal have a clear route mapped out towards the transfer of the Lazio man, according to the report.

Indeed, it states that Lokonga – worth around €25million (£21.8million) – would be accompanied by €50-60million (£44-52.5million).

Whether Lazio would accept that offer remains to be seen. Indeed, the report also states that Juventus are ‘ready to go crazy’ for Milinkovic-Savic, which could cause a roadblock.

However, given Arsenal’s apparent eagerness to do whatever it takes to sign the star, they will surely be ready to put up a fight for him.