Arsenal join Chelsea and Liverpool in the pursuit of Southampton star Romeo Lavia
Arsenal have joined Chelsea and Liverpool in the battle to sign Romeo Lavia from Southampton in the summer window.
Lavia’s future at Saints could come to an end, (h/t Metro) given that they failed to retain their Premier League status and have been relegated to the Championship.
However, despite being relegated, the youngster performed exceedingly well for them, drawing interest from prestigious English clubs. Chelsea have started talks with the Saints to sign the 19-year-old, while Liverpool are also considering making a bid for the midfielder.
Now it is understood that Arsenal are keen on acquiring the defensive midfielder and have opened talks with the Saints. The Gunners are believed to have an excellent relationship with Lavia’s camp, which could swing the race in their favour.
The Gunners are looking to overhaul their midfielders, with the likes of Thomas Partey and Granit Xhaka set to leave the club in the coming weeks. They will have to pay around £50m for Lavia, a figure that makes sense given that the Belgian has a 24 percent sell-on clause in his contract.
A proven player in the top flight, Lavia would certainly make a difference at Arsenal, Chelsea, or Liverpool. The Reds, in particular, ned midfield additions, given their summer exits and lack of young energetic options on the roster. Lavia would certainly future-proof at least one spot in the long term.
Meanwhile, Arsenal’s situation is already mentioned above as they are doing a squad overhaul. Chelsea certainly needs one given that Conor Gallagher, Ruben Loftus-Cheek, Mateo Kovacic, and Mason Mount’s futures remain dubious at Stamford Bridge.
His asking price shouldn’t be an issue because £50 million is decent for a player who is just 19. Arsenal appears to have the best prospects because they can use the Champions League as a trump card, but Liverpool can also offer him the Europa League unlike Chelsea who aren’t in Europe.
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Lavia is young and undoubtedly lacks playing experience in European competitions. He has only played one full season in the Premier League, but with the correct direction, he could develop into one of the best in his position.