According to Fabrizio Romano, Arsenal are in the hunt for Romeo Lavia, with Southampton reportedly wanting a “record fee” to sell the player. Manchester United and Chelsea are also keeping their eye on the youngster as the window progresses. A recent scouting report noted that he was a player “any top-five club would dream of having”.
Arsenal Advancing in Talks for Romeo Lavia – Chelsea and Manchester United Interested
Who is Romeo Lavia?
Romeo Lavia is a defensive midfielder that moved to the south coast in the last transfer window, making the transition from Manchester City’s academy to the Saints’ first team. In the year since, the nineteen-year-old has made 29 appearances but was unable to save his side from relegation.
Southampton will want an impressive fee for the player, as his statistics are well above average for pass completion, tackles, interceptions and blocks. As a defensive midfielder with the ability to progress the ball, Mikel Arteta could see him as the natural successor to Granit Xhaka.
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Why are Arsenal Interested in a Move?
Arsenal could look to make a move for the player for a record fee, presumably a club record departure. However, achieving this fee could be a challenge, with the current record held by Virgil van Dijk, leaving for over £70 million.
Negotiating this fee could prove incredibly difficult for Southampton, however. Manchester City have a buyback clause of around £40 million for the player, putting the Saints in a weaker position as they need to get a deal done this season.
Read More: Arsenal Close to Sealing Havertz Move
The Bidding War Around Southampton’s Midfielder
If the Saints want to force a bidding war, it will have to be this year. Interest in players such as Declan Rice, Moises Caicedo and Mason Mount demonstrate that big clubs are looking for a strong midfield presence this season. Romeo Lavia provides that in spades, and is only going to develop into a better player in the coming years.
With the Gunners advancing talks and getting closer to a move, they might be able to avoid the price being driven up severely by getting in early.
