Lazio line up key Arsenal man to replace in-demand World Cup star

Lazio have drawn up a replacement list for in-demand midfielder Sergej Milinkovic-Savic and Arsenal’s Aaron Ramsey has reportedly been included.

The Serie A side are hoping to keep hold of the Serbia World Cup midfielder and they have placed a huge price tag on his head.

Mundo Deportivo are reporting that Barcelona have cooled their interest in Milinkovic-Savic after being told by Lazio that he would cost €80million. Manchester United are also believed to have taken the same stance after learning the price of the 23-year-old.

The likes of PSG and Real Madrid have also been linked with a move for Milinkovic-Savic, but the player’s father last week admitted he thought a transfer to Juventus would best suit his son at this stage of his career.

And the Serbian dropped a further hint he’d like to stay in Serie A when asked about his future by Mediaset Premium after his nation’s 2-1 defeat to Switzerland.

“I’m with the national team,” Milinkovic-Savic said when asked if he had an update on his future.

“The World Cup is a beautiful thing and now I’m not thinking about what to do next but only to my national team and do everything possible to reach the last 16. When specifically asked about a potential move to Juventus, he smiled and replied: “I can smile, but I have to think solely about the World Cup.

“Then we’ll see what to do.”

Now though Corriere dello Sport believe Wales midfielder Ramsey is being lined up as a replacement for Milinkovic-Savic, who was born in the Catalonian city of Lleida.

Ramsey, 27, has just a year remaining on his Gunners contract and he is understood to be mulling over a new five-year deal.

Both the Evening Standard and the Telegraph report that Arsenal head coach Unai Emery wants to sign up Ramsey, but the talks are believed to have been ongoing since April.

Chelsea were also reportedly monitoring Ramsey’s situation back in March, but last month he hinted he was keen on returning to The Emirates for pre-season.

“Of course. I haven’t spoken to him at all yet, but I think it’s an exciting time for the club. I can’t wait to get back there now.”