Chelsea: £70m target Savic scores stunning goal for Lazio
The agent of Sergej Milinkovic-Savic is reportedly establishing contact with Chelsea ahead of a transfer from Lazio this summer. The Serbian star is represented by former Blues striker Mateo Kezman, bolstering the chances of a move to Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea are currently undergoing a squad overhaul ahead of the summer transfer window with deals already secured for Hakim Ziyech and Timo Werner.
Blues boss Frank Lampard is now believed to be targeting Leicester left-back Ben Chilwell and Bayer Leverkusen forward Kai Havertz in an aggressive transfer strategy.
However, the west London club are also looking to strengthen in other key areas with Declan Rice considered a long-term solution to Chelsea's centre-back problem.
And the Stamford Bridge outfit are also open to the idea of bolstering their midfield options, despite Lampard already having seven first-team players in that department.
Chelsea transfer news: Sergej Milinkovic-Savic has been linked with the Blues (Image: GETTY)
With this in mind, Chelsea have reportedly made a move to sign Lazio ace Milinkovic-Savic.
The 25-year-old has helped fire Le Aquile up to second in Serie A this season with five goals and four assists.
And yesterday Gazzetta dello Sportclaimed Chelsea and Real Madrid have both started to move for Milinkovic-Savic in the hope of pipping Manchester United and PSG to a deal.
Now La Lazio Siamo Noi report that Milinkovic-Savic's agent Kezman has reached out to Chelsea and established contact ahead of the summer window.
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Kezman played alongside Lampard during his brief spell at Stamford Bridge in 2004/05, and the 41-year-old is hoping to use that connection to his advantage while laying groundwork for a move.
However, Kezman also played for PSG while on loan from Fenerbahce in 2008/09 and is said to have reached out to the Ligue 1 club in addition to the Blues.
The latest report suggests Milinkovic-Savic's representative still has several friends at both clubs while he has a good relationship with Lazio, potentially easing any transition.
Gazzetta dello Sporthad claimed the Serie A giants were no longer holding to their £90.5million (€100m) valuation of Milinkovic-Savic due to the current financial climate.
Chelsea transfer news: The player's agent is former Blues striker Mateja Kezman (Image: GETTY)
But La Lazio Siamo Noi refute this, instead insisting owner Claudio Lotito is sticking to his guns and will not allow Milinkovic-Savic to depart for a discount fee.
Chelsea will therefore have to stop up a significant sum in order to contemplate moving for Milinkovic-Savic, particularly considering expected spending in other areas.
This could partly be generated through player sales and Inter Milan have reportedly lodged a bid for Emerson Palmieri while Tiemoue Bakayoko is attracting attention from AC Milan and Atletico Madrid are set to take up their £48.5m option on Alvaro Morata.
Michy Batshuayi is also considered surplus to requirements but Chelsea will struggle to recoup the £33m they paid Marseille in 2016.
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