Arsenal may be prioritising a move for West Ham captain Declan Rice but they are now progressing in talks to sign Southampton talent Romeo Lavia. The Belgian midfielder has been tipped to leave St.Mary's Stadium following the Saints' relegation last term.
Lavia joined Southampton from Manchester City last summer and has now been linked with moves to Chelsea, Arsenal and Liverpool. City included a buy-back clause in the 19-year-old's contract which becomes active next summer meaning rival clubs are looking to take advantage of that ahead of next season.
The Gunners have cooled their interest in Brighton's Moises Caicedo as they look to finalise a deal for Rice this summer. The Ecuadorian midfielder is now expected to complete a move to Chelsea as Mauricio Pochettino looks to sign a perfect partner for Enzo Fernandez.
Arsenal had their first bid for Rice rejected with West Ham holding out for a fee much closer to their £100million asking price. Reports this week have stated the Gunners are preparing an offer worth around £100million after their initial £90million bid was turned down.
Arsenal are seeking to make Rice and Lavia their new midfield for next season, according to Miguel Delaney. The Gunners are set to submit another bid for the West Ham captain in the coming days and progress is being made for the Southampton youngster.
Mikel Arteta noted how his side were occasionally outmatched physically in last season’s run-in and has sought to bolster the power of his side. Arsenal are not that advanced with Lavia, but are seen as his most likely next club.
READ MORE: Arsenal news and transfers LIVE: Rice £100m bid, Diaby offer, Lavia boost, 13 exits confirmed
Southampton could demand a fee in the region of £40million for Lavia this summer as they prepare for a wave of bids for the 19-year-old. The Gunners will be looking to sign a few midfielders this summer with Granit Xhaka expected to complete a £13million move to Bayer Leverkusen - once a replacement has been acquired.
Albert Sambi Lokonga and Thomas Partey could also leave the club ahead of next season.
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