Arsenal have lost ground in the race to sign Southampton star Romeo Lavia in the summer transfer window. The Belgian midfielder has been tipped to leave the Saints following their relegation from the Premier League.
The north Londoners are eager to bolster their midfield options during the summer transfer window, football.london understands. West Ham United captain Declan Rice remains at the top of Mikel Arteta's wishlist with the Gunners now closing in on a £105million deal for the 24-year-old.
Granit Xhaka and Thomas Partey have both been linked with exits this summer which could force Arsenal into signing at least two new midfielders ahead of next season. Kai Havertz has been confirmed as the Gunners' first signing of the summer with the German expected to operate in a No.8 role - similar to that of Martin Odegaard.
Southampton boss Russell Martin has stated that some players will leave the Saints this summer - which may include Lavia. Martin told reporters: "There will be people leaving, of course, it's what happens when you have such a tough season last season and you move down from the Premier League.
"I've also been there and it’s not that easy. Every player in the dressing room could think they're going back to the Premier League, but it's not that easy."
It now seems that Liverpool lead the race for the 19-year-old talent, along with Chelsea, with the Gunners falling behind in the race for Lavia's signature. A report from Football Transfers, via 90min, has stated that Arteta's side are behind their Premier League rivals as competition for the Belgian midfielder heats up.
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If Arsenal are to bid for Lavia, they will have to cough up between £40million-£50million this summer, according to the Daily Mail. The high valuation of the Belgian is said to be down to three clauses inserted into his contract.
The first is in regard to Man City, his former side, being able to match any bid that arrives with a buyback clause - around £40million. The final clause entitles City to 20% of any future sale.
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