Arsenal are ready to make a move for Romeo Lavia once they complete the signing of Declan Rice, according to a report.

The Times report that Arsenal are ready to move for Romeo Lavia of Southampton after finalising their deal for Declan Rice.

The Gunners reportedly intend to bid for Lavia once the Rice deal is over the line, though they know they’ll face competition from Liverpool.

Chelsea and Manchester United are also interested in the midfielder, and Southampton want £50m to sell.

Manchester City don’t appear to be in the race for their former player, but they would earn up to 20% of the eventual transfer fee through a sell-on clause.

So if Southampton get what they want, it would mean an extra £10m added to City’s transfer budget.

Fabrizio Romano recently reported that Liverpool joined the race for Romeo Lavia last week on Monday, and they remain keen to sign him even with the additions of Dominik Szoboszlai and Alexis Mac Allister.

Romano added that Arsenal are also very interested, but a move would depend on the potential exit of Thomas Partey.

Both Arsenal and Liverpool have made direct contact with Lavia and Southampton, and they’re the two clubs leading the race for his signature, but they’re yet to formalise offers.

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 relegated to the Championship, Lavia is likely to accept a move to any of the big-six clubs offering him the chance to immediately return to the top flight.