Tottenham Hotspur are interested in a deal to bring Sergej Milinkovic-Savic to the Premier League this summer.

What's the talk?

That's according to a report by Italian media outlet CalcioMercatoWeb, who claim that, with all three of Giovani Lo Celso, Tanguy Ndombele and Pape Matar Sarr having either left or looking set to secure a move away from north London in the coming weeks, Antonio Conte is hoping to add a new central midfielder to his squad, with the Italian said to be an admirer of the SS Lazio playmaker.

The report then goes on to suggest that, although it has been widely reported that Fabio Paratici is targeting a move AS Roma's Nicolo Zaniolo in the current transfer window, the sporting director could now turn his attention towards the Serbia international, with Spurs thought to be preparing a bid totalling €60m (£50.5m) - including bonuses - for the 27-year-old midfielder.

Better than Zaniolo

While it is undeniable that Zaniolo would make a fantastic addition to Conte's Tottenham Hotspur squad ahead of September's transfer deadline, considering just how talented a player Milinkovic-Savic undoubtedly is, there is an argument to be made that the Serb could well be a much better target for Paratici to pursue than the Italy international.

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Indeed, when comparing their returns in the final third over the 2021/22 Serie A campaign, there is only one winner, with Milinkovic-Savic bettering Zaniolo in goals - 11 to two - assists - 11 to two - and big chances created - 11 to four - last season.

The £63m-rated Lazio midfielder also betters the Italian's returns with the ball at his feet, completing more passes per 90 - 56.3 to 18.0 - making more progressive passes per 90 - 4.94 to 2.42 - and boasting a better pass completion rate per 90 - 81.9% to 71.4% - than the 23-year-old Roma playmaker last time out.

It is a similar story in defensive metrics, with the £95k-per-week talent once again besting Zaniolo in tackles made per 90 - 1.57 to 1.23 - blocks made per 90 - 1.51 to 0.73 - and interceptions made per 90 - 1.60 to 0.68 - last term.

As such, when considering that the player who CalcioLand podcast host David Amoyal dubbed "unreal" could be available for just €10m (£8.5m) more than the €50m (£42m) valued Zaniolo this summer, coupled with his more eye-catching returns last season, it is evident that Milinkovic-Savic would be a much better immediate fit for Conte's Spurs squad this season - leading us to believe that Paratici must prioritise a move for the 27-year-old in the coming weeks.