Arsenal are leading the race to sign talented Southampton youngster this summer, ahead of Premier League rivals Liverpool and Chelsea.
In what was a poor season for Saints, the 19-year-old was a shining light but was unable to prevent relegation to the Championship.
Lavia signed from Manchester City and immediately established himself as a regular starter alongside James Ward-Prowse in the Southampton midfield.
The Belgium international is under contract on the South-coast for four more years but the Saints are fighting an uphill battle to hold on to him after their relegation from the top flight.
The Gunners could be set to beat both Liverpool and Chelsea to the signing of Lavia with Manchester United showing a little interest.
🚨 Arsenal have concrete and strong interest in Romeo Lavia. Relationship is excellent with his camp — talks already took place. #AFC
Timing will be crucial as Chelsea remain interested. Man United appreciate Lavia but still not advancing. City buy back clause only valid 2024. pic.twitter.com/QcTMqPx5ou
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) June 18, 2023
Mikel Arteta is keen to bolster Arsenal’s midfield ahead of next season, with Declan Rice also on the Spaniard’s radar. With Arteta supposedly to be given £200m to challenge Man City for the title next season, there could be a fair few new faces in the side.
The midfield will be key for Arteta to improve this summer, especially with multiple departures expected. Granit Xhaka is close to signing for Bundesliga side Bayer Leverkusen meanwhile it looks like Thomas Partey could be on the move too.
Despite interest elsewhere, City are also understood to have inserted a £40m buyback clause in Lavia’s contract. However, the treble winners cannot activate it until the summer of 2024.
RELATED: Manchester United Eye-Up Aston Villa Star Ollie Watkins As ‘Ideal’ Harry Kane Alternative
Related Football Content
- Football Betting Tips 2023 – Latest Picks & Football Tips
- Football Predictions June 2023
- Football Accumulator Tips 2023 – Latest Acca Betting Tips
- Best Correct Score Tipsters on Telegram & Social Media 2023
Add Sportslens to your Google News Feed!
