Arsenal are “in the lead” to sign Lazio midfielder Sergej Milinkovic-Savic, according to Il Messaggero (via Calciomercato.com).

The Italian newspaper claims the Serbian, who has the most assists in Serie A this season, is a key target for both the Gunners and Juventus.

Milinkovic-Savic is closing in on the final eighteen months of his contract at Lazio and, with his value dropping quickly, club president Claudio Lotito wants the player to sign an extension in order to protect his price.

For an agreement to be reached, though, the player and his entourage are keen to have a release clause included so he can leave Rome if he so wishes.

Lotito would like the buyout fee to be as high as €100m (£86.7m), while Milinkovic-Savic’s representatives are keen for it to be as low as €40m (£35m). Il Messaggero believe, however, a compromise will be reached with a figure between €60m (£52m) and €70m (£60.7m).