Arsenal are advancing in talks to sign Romeo Lavia, with negotiations ongoing but no official bid posted at this stage.
Fabrizio Romano reports that Arsenal are advancing in talks over the potential summer signing of Romeo Lavia, with negotiations ongoing with both Southampton and the player’s camp.
Southampton are hoping to receive their record fee for an u21 player, which would mean more than Luke Shaw’s £31m move to Manchester United.
As of yet, Arsenal haven’t placed an official bid for the midfielder, and there are other clubs in the race.
Manchester United are interested, and Chelsea are keeping a close eye on proceedings, though they’re currently prioritising Mason Mount and Moises Caicedo respectively.
Romano adds that Manchester City have a sell-on clause for Lavia, so they’re set to make some money from the deal too.
Sacha Tavolieri reports that Arsenal are close to agreeing personal terms with Lavia, and the Gunners are leading the race in part due to their close relationship with the player’s agent.
Lavia shares an agent with Bukayo Saka, who recently extended his contract at Arsenal, so the two camps know each other well.
Arsenal are planning to submit an offer to Southampton soon, to ward off potential interest from elsewhere.
Jacob Steinberg reported earlier this week that Arsenal had held talks over moving for Lavia this summer.
Lavia is reportedly likely to leave in the current window, and he’s valued at as much as £45m by the Championship side following their relegation.
Arsenal are likely to push for a lower fee, and it remains to be seen whether Southampton will stand firm on their asking price.
Earlier in the year, Sami Mokbel and David Ornstein confirmed that Arsenal had Lavia on their shortlist, and it seems that interest is now progressing.
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.