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Juventus Transfers: Lazio president says Sergej Milinkovic-Savic is ‘not for sale’

By James Cormack

ROME, ITALY - FEBRUARY 07: President of SS Lazio Claudio Lotito and Sergej Milinkovic Savic of SS Lazio pose for a picture with his January 2020 MVP trophy prior during the Serie A match between SS Lazio and Cagliari Calcio at Stadio Olimpico on February 07, 2021 in Rome, Italy. Sporting stadiums around Italy remain under strict restrictions due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in games being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Marco Rosi - SS Lazio/Getty Images)
ROME, ITALY - FEBRUARY 07: President of SS Lazio Claudio Lotito and Sergej Milinkovic Savic of SS Lazio pose for a picture with his January 2020 MVP trophy prior during the Serie A match between SS Lazio and Cagliari Calcio at Stadio Olimpico on February 07, 2021 in Rome, Italy. Sporting stadiums around Italy remain under strict restrictions due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in games being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Marco Rosi - SS Lazio/Getty Images) /
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Claudio Lotito (L) has ruled out any sale of Sergej Milinkovic-Savic (R) this summer. (Photo by Marco Rosi – SS Lazio/Getty Images)
Claudio Lotito (L) has ruled out any sale of Sergej Milinkovic-Savic (R) this summer. (Photo by Marco Rosi – SS Lazio/Getty Images) /

Lazio president Claudio Lotito has ruled out any sale of star midfielder Sergej Milinkovic-Savic this summer amid interest from Juventus.

Juve have long been linked with a move for the Serbian international, and it appeared that the club would try their luck once more in the upcoming transfer window. Reports have emerged of the Bianconeri opening talks with Milinkovic-Savic’s entourage, but they are yet to open negotiations with the Biancocolesti.

Milinkovic-Savic has enjoyed his most productive Serie A season this time around; registering 21 goal contributions in 35 appearances. He’s been an ever-present for Maurizio Sarri’s side this term.

Lazio president Claudio Lotito rules out the sale of Sergej Milinkovic-Savic this summer

Juventus, in a bid to accelerate their rebuild, are keen on bringing in the unique Milinkovic-Savic to Turin this summer, but they certainly have their work cut out.

Lazio president Lotito has insisted that the midfielder won’t be sold at the end of the season. “Milinkovic is not for sale,” he told Rai Sport (via Fabrizio Romano) adding that he “turned down a €140m bid for him” several years ago.

Juventus, though, are believed to be infatuated with the Serbian international and their supposed proactivity in talks with the player’s entourage suggests that they’re serious about signing him this summer.

However, Lotito has made it clear that it’ll take a monster offer from the Bianconeri to convince him to sell. Much will depend on the desires of the player himself. If he wants to switch the Italian capital for Turin, then Lotito has little ground to fall back on in negotiations.

After ruling out his sale, the Lazio president then said: “I’d ask Sergej what he wants to do only in case we receive an important proposal from a world-class top club”.

Juventus are absolutely right to pursue the 27-year-old. He’s the ultimate penetrative midfield profile that the Bianconeri so desperately needs with his production this season depicting just how deadly he can be in the opposition’s box. But, it’ll likely cost Juve upwards of €75m to bring him to the Allianz.

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