According to the latest reports, Frank Lampard is eyeing Lazio’s Sergej Milinkovic-Savic as his first signing at Chelsea.
The Blues are optimistic about having their transfer ban lifted just before the January window. Their appeal is due to be heard by the Court of Arbitration for Sport on 20 November.
If their punishment is withdrawn by the governing body, Chelsea would be allowed to sign players in a couple of months.
Milinkovic-Savic is reportedly high on Lampard’s wishlist as he believes the Serbian has all the right traits to fit into his team. Not only will the midfielder strengthen Chelsea’s central ranks but he will also introduce a bit of physical prowess with the current lineup of Jorginho, Matteo Kovacic and Mason Mount lacks.
Milinkovic-Savic was previously pursued by Manchester United but Lazio rejected all of their advances in the past. He is an integral part of their midfield and the Serie A outfit are unwilling to let him go without raising an astronomical fee off of his sale.
Lazio president, Claudio Lotito values Milinkovic-Savic at around €100m and previous reports claimed that Lampard would be offered a transfer kitty of around €150-160m. Whether he will spend over 60% of it on a single player remains to be seen.
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