A host of top Premier League sides can now sign Romeo Lavia for around £40 million as Southampton drop their asking price.
According to The Sun, as relayed by HITC, Southampton are willing to slash their asking price for Romeo Lavia to £40 million. The 19-year-old midfield sensation could leave the Championship side as he aims to remain in the Premier League. Top teams like Arsenal, Liverpool and Newcastle United are among those keen on the midfielder.
Romeo Lavia remains a hot topic of this transfer window after garnering the interest of high-profile Premier League sides. It was always plausible for the 19-year-old midfield sensation to depart Southampton after their relegation, but much depended on the asking price.
Southampton reportedly wanted £50 million in exchange for the midfielder, but none of the interested sides were willing to cough up. The Saints may have thought about cashing in when the demand is high, but they also have the safety net of Manchester City’s £40 million buyback clause, which becomes active next summer.
Hence, the £50 million demand made sense, but they might have to compromise to make the sale. The Saints are reportedly willing to slash the asking price to £40 million, hoping it might suit a few of the clubs keen on the 19-year-old midfield sensation.
Reports claimed Liverpool had dropped out of the race after deciding against paying £50 million. Jurgen Klopp remains interested in Lavia as he wishes to add another midfielder after Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai. The Reds were reportedly formulating an offer for the 19-year-old, but things have gone a bit cold on their pursuit.
Meanwhile, it’s reported that Lavia would like to join Arsenal ahead of Liverpool or Chelsea. Such a move will depend on Arsenal and their next phase of business in this window. Mikel Arteta certainly likes the midfielder and views him as a possible member of his system.
However, Arsenal will likely make a move only if Thomas Partey leaves the club. They are about to confirm the Declan Rice signing, and Lavia’s profile clashes with the England international and the Ghanaian.
Hence, a move to the Emirates will only happen if Partey leaves and Arsenal can generate funds through sales. Meanwhile, there’s also the mention of Newcastle United, which points to Eddie Howe adding another midfielder.
Any move to St. James’ Park seems unlikely as the Magpies have several players with a similar profile to Lavia. They recently confirmed the arrival of Sandro Tonali from AC Milan, which may all but end their interest in the 19-year-old midfield sensation.
For the new £40 million price, these teams may consider making a move, but any transfer will only happen in the next phase of this window. As for Southampton, they will not reduce the asking price any further, knowing Manchester City could easily buy him back for £40 million next summer.
