Liverpool are reportedly in front of the queue for Romeo Lavia, with Arsenal also interested in the 19-year-old Southampton star.
According to the Empire of the Kop podcast, Liverpool are frontrunners in the race for Romeo Lavia. A host of Premier League sides are interested in the 19-year-old midfielder, who could leave Southampton following their relegation.
The transfer market began with a bang, with Arsenal coming out as the most aggressive side of the lot. The Gunners secured key signings in the first phase of the window, and could now move on to the next stage, where Mikel Arteta targets utility arrivals.
Kai Havertz arrived, while Declan Rice and Jurrien Timber remain close to joining the Gunners. After they announce those two players, Arsenal will move on to making sales and possibly allow Thomas Partey an exit alongside fellow midfielder Granit Xhaka.
If that happens, Arteta reportedly wants Romeo Lavia on priority to replace the Ghanaian. Fabrizio Romano reported earlier the Gunners had advanced in negotiations for the 19-year-old midfielder, but things have gone a bit slow, allowing other teams to stake a claim.
Chelsea have also shown an interest and considers Lavia as an alternative to Moises Caicedo if they cannot sign the Brighton star. Yet, they remain focused on the Ecuadorian, which could have allowed Liverpool plenty of room to make their presence felt.
As per the podcast, Liverpool are the current frontrunners for the 19-year-old midfielder. Jurgen Klopp remains keen to bring in a deep-lying midfielder to protect his backline. The German boss may have realised the problems with having Fabinho for long periods and will want another option to balance the act.
Lavia has shown plenty of promise in his breakthrough season in the Premier League. Unfortunately for him, those brilliant displays could not help Southampton avoid relegation, but certainly put himself on the market and in the sights of the big clubs.
Liverpool are also chasing Khephren Thuram from OGC Nice. In hindsight, the Frenchman seems like a cheaper alternative to Lavia, who could end up costing around £50 million. Man City have a £40 million buyback clause, which only becomes active in 2024.
Hence, clubs like Liverpool would like to strike a deal with Southampton in this window, but they may have to pay more. There are doubts about the Merseysiders and their intent with the 19-year-old, particularly if they sign Thuram. In any case, the Saints star remains a solid contingency option for Klopp, something he may explore in the coming weeks.
