Arsenal and Juventus 'are boosted in their pursuit of Lazio captain Sergej Milinkovic-Savic - with Serie A side set to lower their £88m asking price to £44m as midfielder nears the last year of his contract at the Stadio Olimpico'

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Arsenal are ready to move for Lazio captain Sergej Milinkovic-Savic, according to reports.

The Gunners have been on the hunt for a midfielder to support Thomas Partey for an extended period of time, bringing in Jorginho from Chelsea as a short-term solution in January.

The club saw several bids for Brighton's Moises Caicedo rejected in the window, before he signed a new contract at the club.

Despite Jorginho's arrival, Mikel Arteta's side remain keen to sign another midfielder with a player set to join in the summer.

According to Sport Witness via Gazzetta Della Sport, the Gunners are set to step up negotiations for Milinkovic-Savic, with the Serbian set to be available for a cut-price fee.

Arsenal are ready to move for Lazio captain Sergej Milinkovic-Savic, according to reports

Mikel Arteta's side are in the market for a central midfielder despite signing Jorginho

Milinkovic-Savic has always been of high interest to several top sides in Europe, but a move never materialised.

It is though Lazio had been demanding an £88million fee that was never met, but his contract is now running down.

The 28-year-old has just over a year remaining on his current deal, and he looks unlikely to sign a new one.

Lazio are thought to be prepared to accept bids in excess of £44m, but the players' agents are trying to secure a deal away for closer to £31m.

A move is likely in the summer, but it's currently unclear if Arsenal would be willing to spend the money.

Juventus are also chasing Milinkovic-Savic's signature, with several more sides expected to join the race soon.

Max Allegri's Juventus are also chasing the 28-year-old, who is out of contract next year