Arsenal's summer appears to be focused on a revamp in the midfield department as Mikel Arteta prepares a number of changes in the transfer window. The Gunners challenged for the Premier League title last season, but narrowly missed out to Manchester City come May.
With a young squad at his disposal, Arteta will be looking to build upon that upward trajectory and continue challenging for years to come. With shifting expectations, a return to the Champions League and domestic cups to compete in, one thing that is clear is the need for quality and depth.
The midfield was given a short boost in January with the addition of Jorginho after the north London outfit missed out on Brighton star Moises Caicedo. However, there could be more change as the Italian international has now been linked with a move away, while reports also state that Thomas Partey could be free to leave.
With some potential exits on the cards, there's a whole host of incomings that appear to be in the works for the coming weeks. football.london understands that Declan Rice is a top priority, with a first bid for the West Ham captain, worth £80million, already turned down.
football.london also understands that a second bid is expected in the next few days, which will continue to stay below the £100million mark. While the move for the England international appears to be the main move, there's plenty going on elsewhere such as deals for Kai Havertz and Jurrien Timber.
READ MORE: Arsenal news and transfers LIVE: Done deal, New Declan Rice bid, Havertz agreement, Timber move
Sticking in the midfield though, there's still a clear need for another young option, one of which that has been linked is Southampton star Romeo Lavia. According to reports from journalist Sacha Tavolieri, Arsenal are close to an agreement with the player on personal terms.
That leaves a deal with the Saints to be struck, with the 19-year-old impressing in his debut campaign in the Premier League, despite suffering relegation. Manchester City hold a buyback clause worth £40million after letting him leave for St. Mary's, but that won't be active until 2024.
It could give the Gunners the head start they need as Fabrizio Romano reports that the price tag wanted by Southampton is a record fee for an Under-21s player they've had. Luke Shaw currently holds that title, having moved to Manchester United for £30million in 2014.
It could mean that the side are looking at a price similar to his buyback clause at Manchester City, if not slightly more as a number of other sides have shown interest.
Who would Lavia replace?...
