Arsenal are closer to signing Romeo Lavia than their rivals, with Liverpool and Chelsea also considered suitors for the Southampton midfielder.
According to Football Insider, Arsenal have a verbal agreement with Romeo Lavia ahead of a possible move. The 19-year-old is one of Mikel Arteta’s midfield targets in addition to Declan Rice, but the Gunners face competition from Chelsea and Liverpool. Meanwhile, Southampton want £50 million to part ways with him.
The transfer window has brought out the need in top clubs to sign key midfielders this summer. Several top English clubs continue searching for the right candidate in the central areas. But there is a lot of competition.
Romeo Lavia is an interesting player in the market, and he is ready to leave Southampton after their relegation. There is intense competition in the market for the 19-year-old midfielder’s signature, with Arsenal, Liverpool, Chelsea, and Manchester United all credited with an interest.
Chelsea have recently focused on signing Moises Caicedo but could return for Lavia if they cannot tie up a deal for the Brighton star. Financially, the 19-year-old is cheaper than the Ecuadorian, which could pique their interest later on.
As for Liverpool, they have already signed Alexis Mac Allister but are currently looking for an out-and-out midfielder. Lavia is an interesting name, but they might look for cheaper alternatives like Manu Kone or Khephren Thuram.
Manchester United’s name remains among the suitors, although Arsenal are advancing in pursuing Lavia. Meanwhile, Chelsea are eyeing multiple midfielders after losing N’Golo Kante and Mateo Kovacic. The Southampton star has been made aware of the interest from the Gunners. Mikel Arteta has always seen the 19-year-old as part of his future teams and could make a move.
There is also space in the squad with the potential departure of Granit Xhaka. While they had planned to replace the Swiss star with priority target Declan Rice, the likely departure of Thomas Partey could bring Arteta back in the hunt for Lavia.
The report suggests that Arsenal already have a verbal agreement with the midfielder, although they might not make an imminent move. For now, they are focused on signing Rice on priority. After that, and depending on Partey’s departure, they could make a firm offer for the midfielder with a £50 million price tag.
Manchester City have a buyback clause in Lavia’s contract, allowing them to sign him in 2024 for £40 million. Hence, clubs like Arsenal, Chelsea, and Liverpool have a chance to snatch him in this window but may have to pay slightly higher for his services.
