Southampton star Romeo Lavia is keen to move to Arsenal over Chelsea or Liverpool
According to Football Transfers, Southampton star Romeo Lavia is partial towards a summer switch to Arsenal despite interest from Chelsea and Liverpool.
The 19-year-old enjoyed a brilliant debut season at At Mary’s following his exit from Manchester City in the summer of 2022. He was one of the Saints’ lone bright spots in what was an otherwise poor campaign that culminated in relegation.
While still raw, the 19-year-old’s potential is clear for all to see. The Belgian is still rough around the edges and could do with a manager who is adept at developing talent.
Luckily for him, all three teams in the fray for his signature, Liverpool, Arsenal, and Chelsea are all led by top-tier managers who have a proven track record of improving potential. The 19-year-old appears to have his heart set on a move to The Emirates and be a part of Mikel Arteta’s rebuild.
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The Gunners are already set to sign Declan Rice for a club record fee and could part ways with Thomas Partey. The latter’s potential departure coupled with Granit Xhaka’s imminent exit opens up a spot for Lavia in Arteta’s plans. However, it is debatable if the youngster will be privy to regular game time given that he will play second fiddle to Rice.
Not only are the Gunners capable of offering him UEFA Champions League football but can also pay him better wages than either Chelsea or Liverpool. Lavia will have to prove his worth to both Jurgen Klopp and Mauricio Pochettino before being handed the keys to the midfield at either club.
A move to Arsenal would appear good given that the club is coming off the back of a solid 2022/23 season. Whether it is the right move for Lavia is debatable. After all, the Gunners have proven themselves to be a good side when on form but quite fragile and lacklustre when their backs are up against the wall.
A lot will depend on whether Partey is sold this summer. Should the veteran stay put at the Emirates, Liverpool or Chelsea could suddenly find themselves pipping Arsenal for the talented Belgian sensation.