Fabrizio Romano believes Arsenal would be getting a “fantastic player” if they did step up their interest in Lazio playmaker Sergej Milinkovic-Savic.

Reports in the Italian media earlier this week suggested that both the Gunners and Chelsea made enquiries about the Serbian international. However, while he hopes Mikel Arteta’s side will pursue the midfielder, Romano feels Lazio’s €65m (£55m) to €70m (£60m) asking price may prove a major stumbling block:

“From what I’m told they want around €65-70m. So it’s really big money, it’s a completely different price than compared to [Youri] Tielemans, who could be around £35m. For Milinkovic, it is €70m. So it’s completely, completely different. And I think it’s not going to be an easy one – not just for Arsenal, but for many clubs. So at the moment, it is still quiet around Milinkovic. Let me say, my personal opinion, I hope Arsenal will be on it, or any other English club. Because he’s a fantastic player, really underrated in Serie A.”

Despite Romano’s praise for Milinkovic-Savic, all the signs point toward Arsenal pursuing a cheaper alternative. As the journalist mentions, Leicester’s Youri Tielemans is the obvious candidate but there are other options to strengthen the midfield.

Juventus’s Arthur was a target for the Gunners during the January transfer window and could be available relatively cheaply. Wolves’ Ruben Neves is another name that has been considered, although his price tag is likely to be similar to Milinkovic Savic’s. We shall have to wait and see who Arteta decides to go after.