David Ornstein has confirmed that Southampton’s Romeo Lavia is admired by Arsenal, as a potential midfield signing alternative to the primary names touted.

Southampton's Belgian midfielder Romeo Lavia scores the equalising goal during the English Premier League football match between Southampton and Chelsea at St Mary's Stadium in Southampton, southern England on August 30, 2022. (Photo by GLYN KIRK/AFP via Getty Images)
Southampton’s Belgian midfielder Romeo Lavia scores the equalising goal during the English Premier League football match between Southampton and Chelsea at St Mary’s Stadium in Southampton, southern England on August 30, 2022. (Photo by GLYN KIRK/AFP via Getty Images)

As we move into the summer transfer window, it’s clear that Arsenal are prioritising midfield signings, with Declan Rice chief among their targets.

There’s also plenty of speculation around a potential return for Moises Caicedo, after the Gunners saw bids knocked back by Brighton in the January transfer window.

Yet The Athletic’s David Ornstein claims they aren’t Arsenal’s only options in midfield, confirming the Gunners also hold an interest in Southampton’s Romeo Lavia.

“I think they will be looking for high-calibre signings that can take them on,” Ornstein told FIVE. “They’ve got interest in loads of players, no doubt…it’s not just [Declan] Rice and [Moises] Caicedo. Players like Romeo Lavia are admired by Arsenal.”

This adds further credence to a recent story from Sami Mokbel of the Daily Mail, who wrote that whilst Rice remains Arsenal’s top-priority target, the Gunners also have Lavia and Caicedo on their summer shortlist.

Lavia’s situation has only grown more appealing since then, with Southampton’s relegation to the Championship now confirmed.

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 take advantage.

LONDON, ENGLAND: Romeo Lavia of Southampton applauds their fans after the final whistle of the Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur and Southampton FC at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on August 06, 2022. (Photo by Harriet Lander/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND: Romeo Lavia of Southampton applauds their fans after the final whistle of the Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur and Southampton FC at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on August 06, 2022. (Photo by Harriet Lander/Getty Images)

With Southampton going down, Lavia is likely to push for a move in the upcoming window. If Arsenal really are interested, the stars have aligned to make that transfer a little more straightforward.

But at the moment it’s just speculation, with no bids submitted for any of the three players since that January offer for Caicedo was knocked back.

Both Brighton and West Ham have a chance to qualify for European competition before the end of the season, and they’ll be focusing on that for the time being.