Arsenal are plotting a move for Benfica winger Andrija Zivkovic next summer. According to recent reports in the English media, the Serbian international has attracted the attention of the Gunners with Manchester United also monitoring his progress in Portugal. The 21-year-old wing sensation helped his club secure a Portuguese league and cup double in the last campaign.
Some sources have claimed that Arsenal scouts were monitoring Zivkovic in Benfica’s 5-1 victory over Rio Ave in the first week of this month. The Gunners boss Arsene Wenger had the Serbian winger scouted once more on Saturday. He put in an eye-catching display again when he found the back of the net in the Lisbon side’s 3-1 win at Portimonense.
However, it is expected that the North Londoners may face stiff competition from the Red Devils in pursuit of his signature, with Old Trafford chiefs also present during both games. Zivkovic’s contract at the Estádio da Luz runs until the summer of 2021, and the Portuguese club values him at £6.3m. Wenger has included him in his plans for a summer reshuffle at the Emirates Stadium during the off-season.
Arsenal have progressed into the Carabao Cup final, where they will face off against the Premier League champions-elect Manchester City, and they also have two hopeful Europa League ties against Swedish minnows Ostersunds in the next two weeks. However, they have slumped to sixth place in the Premier League table, seven points shy of fourth-placed Chelsea and 27 behind league leaders City. The addition of Zikovic will undoubtedly bolster Arsene Wenger’s attacking options ahead of the next campaign as they try to bridge the gap between themselves and the Manchester clubs in the coming years.
The Serbian international is highly versatile and can play in a number of different positions across the midfield. He can operate through the middle or on either flank at the centre of the park. This makes him a useful asset which the Gunners could look to utilise if they are successful in securing his signature in the near future.
Zivkovic has made 18 appearances for Benfica this season, scoring 2 goals and providing four assists in all competitions. He also boasts 7 international caps for the Serbian national team so far. At 21, he is yet to reach his peak and Wenger could be the ideal manager to get the best out of him in North London. It remains to be seen what lies ahead in the future of the Benfica starlet and whether the Gunners can seal a move for him next summer.
