Arsenal have shown an interest in Southampton midfielder Romeo Lavia, but they’ll need to move fast to fight off the competition.

Adrian Kajumba reports for the Daily Mail that Arsenal are understood to have shown interest in Romeo Lavia as they assess their options to strengthen in central midfield this summer.

The Gunners are looking to sign up to two central midfielders in the upcoming window, and they’re one of a number of clubs in the race for Lavia, with Manchester United joining Chelsea in keeping tabs on him.

Lavia joined Southampton from Manchester City last summer, with a £40m buyback clause in his contract.

However, that clause is only active from the summer of 2024, so this summer represents an opportunity for another club to beat City to the punch.

Then there’s the increasing possibility of Southampton’s relegation.

The south coast side sit four points away from escaping the relegation zone with just 14 games remaining and little sign of a significant upturn in form.

If they go down, Lavia is likely to push for a move and Southampton may look to cash in.

With the threat of City’s buyback clause becoming active, Southampton’s top-flight status uncertain, and multiple top clubs tracking Lavia’s progress, a summer move seems fairly inevitable.

If Arsenal want to land the teenager ahead of the alternatives, they probably need to move quickly.