The Premier League transfer market is buzzing with speculation about the future of Southampton midfielder Romeo Lavia, as Liverpool might miss on this opportunity.
The 19-year-old Belgian international has attracted the attention of top clubs, including the Reds, Arsenal, and Chelsea, as they seek to bolster their midfield options.
Romeo Lavia joined Southampton from Manchester City last summer and impressed despite his team’s relegation to the Championship. Known for his defensive abilities in midfield, Lavia has become a highly sought-after prospect.
Why Liverpool needs Lavia?
Liverpool, who have already secured a creative central midfielder, now have their sights set on a holding midfield player to strengthen their squad.
Arsenal, looking ahead to the 2023-24 season, are also eager to reinforce their midfield, with Lavia on their radar. Chelsea, under new head coach Mauricio Pochettino, personally wants to bring Lavia to Stamford Bridge.
Advantages of The Gunners
While Manchester City inserted a buy-back clause in Lavia’s contract, it won’t come into effect until 2024. This leaves the door open for other clubs to pursue the talented midfielder this summer.
Arsenal may hold an advantage in the race for Lavia’s signature due to their existing relationship with the player’s agent, Emeka Obasi.
Obasi represents Gunners stars Bukayo Saka and Eddie Nketiah, and the club’s rapport with him could give them an edge in negotiations.
Applauds From Guardiola, Walcott, and Kompany
Pep Guardiola, Lavia’s former manager at Manchester City, has expressed his admiration for the player, highlighting his impressive performances and the valuable experience gained in the Premier League at such a young age.
The Spanish manager said:
“I am really impressed with what Romeo (Lavia) has done and is doing. We had, and we have, an incredible opinion about him.
We thought to keep him, but maybe he would not (get) enough minutes like he has in Southampton.”
Southampton teammate and ex-Arsenal star Theo Walcott has also praised Lavia, noting his maturity on the field despite his age.
He is “a rare player”, according to former Manchester City defender and Burnley manager Vincent Kompany in Het Nieuwsblad in September 2021.
Chelsea, however, may face hurdles in securing Lavia’s services as they currently focus on offloading of some of their current squad members, including Mateo Kovacic and Mason Mount.
Negotiations are currently underway, and Arsenal have emerged as a serious contender for Lavia’s signature.
Reports suggest that the Gunners have held talks with the player and have a strong and genuine interest in acquiring his services.
Southampton, following their relegation, is expected to receive significant offers for Lavia, making it challenging for them to retain the talented midfielder.
As for Chelsea, they will need to step up their pursuit and make a move soon if they are to secure Lavia’s signature amid competition from other interested clubs.
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