Southampton are ready to sell star midfielder Romeo Lavia this summer to maximise his transfer value, with a host of clubs keen.
According to 90min, Southampton are ready to sell Romeo Lavia for a sizeable offer in the next window. Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester United will sense an opportunity with this news, as the Saints feel they could get top value for the midfielder now rather than later.
After joining Southampton last summer, Romeo Lavia made such an immediate impression that Chelsea made a sizeable bid. The Saints were wise enough to resist the offer. But they feel selling him now would seem like a sensible decision.
Former club Manchester City have a £40 million buy-back option which activates in 2024. Southampton feel they could get more for the 19-year-old midfield powerhouse in the upcoming summer window. They remain aware of the growing interest from Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester United. It could fetch them a considerable fee.
Chelsea are reportedly considered front runners for Lavia and could return with an offer next summer. With Southampton likely to suffer relegation, selling their stars will become imperative financially.
Chelsea could make a sizeable bid as they seek a top-draw midfielder partner for Enzo Fernandez. They might have wanted Declan Rice or Moises Caicedo, but those stars could prefer to join a Champions League-playing side in the summer.
Incidentally, Arsenal are reportedly linked with the latter duo, with Mikel Arteta ready to break the bank for Rice. Yet, the Gunners boss wants to keep his options open if they fail to land their priority targets, such as the West Ham captain.
Meanwhile, the report also mentions Manchester United. Erik ten Hag kept tabs on the 19-year-old midfield powerhouse. However, the club may feel Lavia’s relative lack of experience is not what they seek from their next midfield signing.
Some of the best clubs will pounce on the opportunity to sign Lavia if he becomes available. Southampton hopes to cash in now rather than carry the 19-year-old into the Championship and diminish his current high valuation.
