Arsenal have held talks over a potential move for Southampton’s Romeo Lavia, who is likely to leave the relegated club this summer.

Jacob Steinberg reports for The Guardian that Arsenal have held talks over moving for Southampton midfielder Romeo Lavia this summer.

Lavia is reportedly likely to leave Southampton this summer, and he’s valued at £45m by the Championship side following their relegation.

Whilst Chelsea have registered their interest and Manchester United and Liverpool are also watching on, there’s a growing belief that he’ll end up at Arsenal.

But Arsenal are likely to push for a lower fee, and it remains to be seen whether Southampton will stand firm on their asking price.

Sacha Tavolieri suggests the fact that Lavia shares an agent with Bukayo Saka could give Arsenal an advantage with regards to a deal, and he confirms the Gunners’ interest is real.

Tavolieri adds that Chelsea still believe they’re in the race too, after meeting with the player’s father.

Earlier in the year, Sami Mokbel wrote for the Daily Mail that whilst Rice remains Arsenal’s top-priority target, the Gunners also have Lavia on their summer shortlist.

David Ornstein then confirmed that Arsenal admire Lavia as an option for a midfield signing.

“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.”

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.

With Southampton going down, Lavia is likely to push for a move, but no formal bids have yet been reported.