Southampton star Romeo Lavia is being chased by a number of clubs during the summer transfer window, with the likes of Arsenal, Liverpool and Chelsea all mooted as potential destinations.
Lavia enjoyed an impressive 2022/23 campaign, establishing himself as one of the best holding midfielders in the Premier League - a hugely impressive feat considering he is still just 19 years old. As a result, he is said to be valued by the Saints at around £50million despite their relegation to the Championship.
Both the Gunners and the Blues are keen to strengthen their options in midfield this summer, with Lavia said to be on their respective transfer shortlists. So with all of that being said, football.london has rounded up all the latest talk regarding the Belgian international's future at St Mary's.
Sticking point
According to transfer expert Ben Jacobs, potential Lavia suitors are keen for Southampton to lower their asking price if a deal is to be done, with the current £50million price tag too steep.
“They've all been using the buyback clause for 2024 which is available to Manchester City as a kind of yardstick, even though that's not active and that's set at £40million", Jacobs told GiveMeSport. “So, I think that clubs looking at Lavia may feel there may be a deal there to be done, especially with player buy-in and Southampton down.
"But, the price has to come down, because I think £50million for Lavia seems to be quite steep.”
READ MORE: Arsenal news and transfers LIVE: Declan Rice 'bargain', Kylian Mbappe complaints, Timber spotted
Barcelona twist
German transfer guru Florian Plettenberg has delivered an update on the Lavia situation, claiming that Barcelona are also interested in the 19-year-old, although the Catalan giants are unlikely to be able to afford him given Southampton's steep asking price.
Writing on Twitter, Plettenberg said: "Roméo #Lavia, there are still concrete talks with Chelsea, Arsenal, especially with Liverpool as Klopp is a big fan! #LFC Been told that his price tag is around £50m this summer!
"Confirmed: Barcelona was targeting the 19 y/o but his price is not affordable for Barca this summer."
Liverpool and Arsenal decision
Arsenal and Liverpool are both unwilling to match Southampton's £50million valuation set on midfield youngster Romeo Lavia this summer. That's according to Sky Sports, which reports that the Belgian wonderkid is valued at a high price by the Saints, but teams are standing off reaching such a figure at this stage.
Southampton stance
According to Sky Sports, Southampton are confident they will be able to receive close to £50million for Lavia this summer.
The report also claims that Arsenal, Chelsea and Liverpool have all engaged the Belgian's representatives over a potential move. However, both the Gunners and the Reds are said to be unwilling to bid that high for the talented teenager.
Bid prepared
Arsenal are ready to make a move for Lavia once they have completed the signing of West Ham United midfielder Declan Rice, according to The Times.
It is claimed that Mikel Arteta's side want to bid for Lavia after a deal for Rice is finalised, although they will face stiff competition from the likes of Chelsea and Manchester United, with the Saints valuing the Belgian international at around £50million.
Liverpool and Chelsea lead race
It did seem that Liverpool led 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.
Transfer boost
A whole host of clubs have been handed a potential boost for Romeo Lavia this summer as new Southampton boss Russell Martin has claimed that some players will leave the club this summer.
He told the press: "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.”
Liverpool open talks
Liverpool have made the decision to open talks with Southampton to sign Romeo Lavia this summer, according to transfer guru Fabrizio Romano.
Speaking on YouTube, he said: "Romeo Lavia is in Arsenal's list and they have had some positive conversations on the club and player side, but no official bid as they are waiting to understand the future of Thomas Partey.
"But from what I understand, Liverpool have opened talks to sign Lavia. Man United have asked about the situation as have Chelsea, so both clubs are informed but they are not yet active on this deal, but for Liverpool, Lavia is one of the players they are considering."
£40m bid pending
Arsenal are ready to submit their first offer for Lavia in the coming days. That's according to the Daily Mirror, who claim the Gunners will put forward a £40million bid for the Belgian midfielder.
The report claims the bid will all-but-end the north Londoners' pursuit of Moises Caicedo.
Advancing talks
Arsenal are advancing in talks to sign Southampton youngster Romeo Lavia this summer, though there is yet to be an official bid made. That's according to Fabrizio Romano, who claims that the Gunners are making progress, though the Saints are likely to ask for a fee above their record for a player under the age of 21 - which sits at £32million when Luke Shaw joined Manchester United in 2014.
Talks take place
Arsenal are not giving up on signing Romeo Lavia just because of their continued bid to bring in Declan Rice, according to Fabrizio Romano. "Arsenal have concrete and strong interest in Romeo Lavia," he tweeted.
"Relationship is excellent with his camp — talks already took place." The Gunners are desperate to add a new midfielder to their squad this summer.
"Timing will be crucial as Chelsea remain interested. Man United appreciate Lavia but still not advancing. City buy back clause only valid 2024," finished Romano.
Arsenal talks 'progressing'
The priority may well be on Declan Rice but reports claim the Gunners are progressing in talks to sign Lavia.
According to Miguel Delaney, the midfielder is on Arteta's radar after cooling their interest in Brighton's Moises Caicedo. They do, however, share interest with London rivals Chelsea.
Southampton price tag
Arsenal will have to cough up between £40million-£50million to sign Lavia 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.
Two midfielders to join?
As per transfer expert Ben Jacobs, Arsenal could look to sign two of Lavia, Moises Caicedo and Declan Rice this summer as Sporting Director Edu looks to get his business done early.
"Arsenal could still come back in for Moises Caicedo, even if the priority is Declan Rice. And they could go for Romeo Lavia as well", Jacobs told GiveMeSport. "They won’t get all three, but it could indicate that they might be looking for two in the centre of the park when these targets are concrete.
"They’re looking at such a high volume of players because not all these deals are easy, particularly the ones involving Brighton. Roberto De Zerbi will not want a mass exodus, and Brighton will only sell on their terms."
Summer shortlist
The Daily Mail named Lavia as one of the three midfielders that Arsenal have on their summer shortlist, alongside the aforementioned Rice and Brighton starlet Moises Caicedo.
The report claims that the Gunners are desperate to close the gap on league-leaders Manchester City, with not just one but potentially two central midfielders targeted as sporting director Edu looks to bolster Arteta's squad ahead of the 2023/24 campaign.
Manchester City advantage
Southampton's £12million deal to sign Lavia last summer has a clause that gives Manchester City a chance to buy him back for £40million, although this clause doesn't become active until 2024.
According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, this will likely mean the youngster should cost more than that if he is to leave St Mary's Stadium this summer. Writing for CaughtOffside, he said: “Nothing has changed for Romeo Lavia, at the moment. It’s normal to see big clubs linked because he’s a top talent but there’s nothing concrete at this stage.
“It’s fair to remember that Man City have £40m buy back clause for Lavia, so value has to be higher for sure.”
Kevin De Bruyne verdict
Lavia's rise to prominence in recent months is unlikely to surprise former Manchester City teammate Kevin De Bruyne, who has previously heaped praise on the 19-year-old when the pair were teammates. Speaking about his fellow Belgian international to Play Sports last year, De Bruyne said: "He is very good.
"He's been training with us since the end of last year. If he continues his development, I think he'll be a top player."
Which of the following rising stars would you promote or send out on loan? Swipe to have your say
