Liverpool are ready to firm up their interest in Romeo Lavia after thoroughly enquiring about the 19-year-old midfielder.
According to Fabrizio Romano, Liverpool have asked for conditions to pursue a deal for Romeo Lavia. The Merseysiders are in the market for a new midfielder. But in the chase for the Southampton star, they might face plenty of obstacles as Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester United are also keen.
Romeo Lavia could become a big transfer story of this window, as many clubs are keeping tabs on the 19-year-old’s situation. He may want to leave Southampton after their relegation from the Premier League.
Manchester City have a £40 million buy-back clause that activates next summer, which may open the doors for a transfer in this window. Pep Guardiola’s side are yet to show their interest in re-signing him, but all of their rivals have already begun making headway.
Manchester United were mentioned as a potential suitor as Erik ten Hag keeps on looking for a new midfielder to partner with Casemiro. Whether they are realistically in the race remains the question, but the Belgian could become a solid option.
Understand Liverpool asked conditions of Roméo Lavia deal, they’re in the race. Arsenal, working on this deal for 15 days — no official bid from both clubs yet. 🚨🇧🇪 #LFC
Man Utd and Chelsea, monitoring the situation but not in active talks yet.
🎥 More: https://t.co/TwNvVKW9eC pic.twitter.com/bLpMkL7G5y
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) June 26, 2023
Meanwhile, Chelsea were one of the early favourites to sign Lavia. But recently Arsenal are the front runners. The Blues hold a concrete interest in the 19-year-old, but they may not see him as a priority target, who, for now, is Moises Caicedo.
Similarly, Arsenal are serious about adding Lavia to their ranks and could submit an offer soon. Mikel Arteta would consider signing him as a replacement for Thomas Partey if he leaves, but there seems like a succession plan for the Ghanaian brewing in the background.
The Gunners do not see him as an alternative to any other player. But they will look to delay making an offer. They are focused on signing Declan Rice on priority and closing in on the move for Jurrien Timber, while Kai Havertz has already completed a medical.
They must make an imminent move considering Liverpool have joined the chase for Lavia. Fabrizio Romano insists the Merseysiders have reportedly asked for conditions for making a move for Lavia. Southampton could demand as much as £50 million or more for the 19-year-old midfielder.
Liverpool have a severe need for new midfielders after a raft of departures. They have already signed Alexis Mac Allister. But Jurgen Klopp still needs someone to play the deeper role. Lavia would fit the bill and develop into a top talent at Anfield.
However, the transfer is a difficult prospect for Liverpool, considering the quality of suitors. Arsenal certainly may have the upper hand with Champions League football and the relative groundwork they have already done for the 19-year-old.
