Transfer Rumour: Lazio midfielder Sergej Milinkovic-Savic linked with a move to Chelsea FC

Chelsea manager Antonio Conte is reportedly keen on luring Serbian midfielder Sergej Milinkovic-Savic to Stamford Bridge

According to the Sun, Blues boss Antonio Conte is looking at Lazio midfielder Sergej Milinkovic-Savic to serve as Nemanja Matic’s heir at Stamford Bridge next season. Former Chelsea striker Mateja Kezman is the agent of Savic, and will work towards bringing his client to London.

Conte arrived at Stamford Bridge in the summer and struggled to cope with life in England initially, but once he got a hang of Premier League football, his Chelsea side seem unbeatable, and are now three wins away from winning the league.

The Italian has deployed a 3-4-3 system that has benefited his players to a great extent, and he has managed to bring the best out of the roster he has had at his disposal. While N’Golo Kante has been hogging all the plaudits in midfield, Nemanja Matic has worked silently towards Chelsea’s cause this season.

The Serbian has kept Cesc Fabregas out of the team and has formed a supreme understanding with Kante in the middle of the park, and has been essential Chelsea’s position this campaign.

However, Matic has not been as creative as Conte would have wanted, as both his midfielders have more of a defensive approach, and often neglect the offensive side of the game. For which, the Blues have now been linked with Milinkovic Savic.

The Lazio midfielder offers solidity in the middle of the park, but also provides a shift in the final third. He is good with the ball at his feet and equally handy while bringing his teammates into the game.

Despite signing an extension at the Serie A club this month, an offer from Chelsea may be too hard to turn down for the player. Anything within the region of £30 million may be enough to tempt the midfielder to move to Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea have been linked with him since early March, and could make a move for him in the summer. They will, however, have to act quickly as there is an interest from Manchester United as well.

Jose Mourinho is looking for an adept midfielder to play the Michael Carrick role for him, and has been linked with the Lazio midfielder. It will be interesting to see which clubs runs out victorious in the race for Savic’s services.