Arsenal are leading the race to sign Lazio playmaker Sergej Milinkovic-Savic, according to the Corriere Dello Sport.

The Italian newspaper claims that the Gunners have a longstanding interest in the Serbian international, having previously sanctioned a scouting “mission” back in September when an “observer” was in the stands for the game between Lazio and Verona.

It is believed that Mikel Arteta’s side have been “secretly” following Milinkovic-Savic since then, with the player having impressed with five goals and seven assists in 20 appearances so far this season.

Up until now, the 27-year-old has snubbed interest from Arsenal, but that has changed since the London club moved to the top of the Premier League table.

Milinkovic-Savic has just eighteen months remaining on his contract and, while a bid in January is still unlikely, with the focus being on signing Shakhtar Donetsk’s Mykhaylo Mudryk, an approach next summer is looking more and more certain.