Romeo Lavia is attracting interest from top Premier League clubs including Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester City after Southampton were relegated last season
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.
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.
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.
Who would you keep and sell at Arsenal this summer? Let us know below!
hekaenrsuz
0
Small club for small boys 🤣🤣🤣🤣
pabinstu
0
If Liverpool or Chelsea take Lavia, then we'll go for Tchouameni or Caicedo. Shida ipo pale pale umbwa nyie
ReptilianFans
0
Arsenal are looking for good characters in a player, not just talented players. Players who are team players that fix into the style of play. Balogun, to me, is very talented but may not be "disciplined " enough as a team player. That's why Arteta is willing to sell him away.
despite.. he scored lots of goal where? french league? it is not a good standard at all.. remember Pepe and Lacazette? they were tearing that league like nobody's business, but failed to live up to expectation in EPL.
ReptilianFans
0
CACEIDO CACEIDO CACEIDO... . it would be a dream signing.. but it will be HARD to get.
Chrismaris1
1
40m to 50m but he landed in Southampton how?
seoclnuy
0
Arsenal are looking for good characters in a player, not just talented players. Players who are team players that fix into the style of play. Balogun, to me, is very talented but may not be "disciplined " enough as a team player. That's why Arteta is willing to sell him away.
ShehuTutu
1
Arsenal are ever ready in term in transfer market.
wizzybbigstepper
1
Is only August 12 that is delaying now Gunners will enslave EPL 🔥
zaebcdlmns
1
no wahala(problem) gunners a coming tomorrow
Tumabnopuz
3
ok
TheO2man
2
If Arsenal are serious about landing Lavia, they'll get their man. Even Bayern Munich and Manchester City can confess that it's not easy now to rub shoulders with Arsenal in terms of player signing. Lavia remains Arsenal's to lose.
SeanKataya
2
it's okay