Arsenal are advancing the move for 19-year-old Southampton midfielder Romeo Lavia as they continue their aggressive approach.
According to Fabrizio Romano, Arsenal have stepped up the chase for Romeo Lavia and are now advancing in their move. The 19-year-old emerged as an alternative to Moises Caicedo. The Gunners are eager to tie down a deal for the Southampton midfielder and swiftly wrap up their business. Meanwhile, he is also a target for Chelsea and Manchester United.
After a quiet Monday in the transfer window, Arsenal have explosively started Tuesday. David Onrstein broke the news of their pursuit of Jurrien Timber in a late update on Monday. But the Gunners have advanced on other targets swiftly today.
There are imminent bids for Declan Rice and Kai Havertz on the horizon, while talks are ongoing over the Timber deal. The Gunners are keen to wrap up their transfer business early, as Mikel Arteta wants an entire squad at the start of pre-season.
The midfield area remains the priority for Arteta. The Spanish manager may have always wanted to bring in at least two signings in the position. Many thought they would remain content with only one, Rice. With Granit Xhaka set to leave and reports of Thomas Partey’s future also surfacing, the need for two midfielders seems essential.
Understand Arsenal are advancing in talks to sign Roméo Lavia. Negotiations ongoing with Southampton and player’s camp, still no official bid ⚪️🔴 #AFC
Southampton hope for their record fee for U21 player.
Man Utd interested but priority is Mount; Chelsea, keeping close eye. pic.twitter.com/Emu5XpmUkH
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) June 20, 2023
Soon after those Partey stories emerged, Arsenal were immediately linked with Romeo Lavia. The 19-year-old Southampton star had a terrific season despite his team’s relegation from the Premier League. Some of the top English clubs have coveted him, but none had made any approaches yet.
As per Fabrizio Romano, Arsenal are advancing in their move for Lavia. He has claimed that negotiations were ongoing with Southampton over the fee, with the Saints reportedly wanting a record fee for a Under-21 player. That might be the £35 million they got for Luke Shaw from Manchester United.
The mention of a ‘record’ for a Under-21 player may have stemmed from Manchester City having a £40 million buyback clause that only activates in 2024. More from Romano suggests Manchester United and Chelsea are also interested in Lavia.
The Blues and Liverpool had a long-standing interest in the 19-year-old midfielder. Chelsea are already focused on signing Moises Caicedo but may switch their attention if they cannot agree on terms with Brighton. Meanwhile, Manchester United are currently prioritising a move for Mason Mount, which should keep them busy and away from Lavia for now.
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While the other clubs play a waiting game, Arsenal are again showing aggression and making a move. For the 19-year-old, personal terms may not prove an issue. But the Gunners must satisfy Southampton with a tempting offer to sell.