Arsenal are no longer active in the race for Romeo Lavia, with Liverpool and Chelsea fighting it out for the Southampton man’s signature.

Fabrizio Romano reports that Arsenal are now not active in the Romeo Lavia race, as Thomas Partey has a good chance to stay in north London.

Arsenal’s move for Lavia was seemingly dependent on that sale, and the Gunners are only willing to sell for a bigger bid than anyone currently appears ready to offer.

That puts Liverpool in the driving seat, with Southampton already having turned down one £37m offer for the midfielder.

Liverpool are set to return with an improved bid, and there’s a high chance the deal gets done, though Chelsea are still in the race.

David Ornstein reports for The Athletic that Chelsea are considering alternative options if they fail to sign Moises Caicedo, and Lavia is one of those options.

Southampton already received and turned down a £50m bid for Lavia from Chelsea, but that was last September.

The situation has clearly changed since then, with the south-coast side now relegated to the Championship. Yet Southampton are still reportedly asking for a £50m fee.

If Southampton and Liverpool can agree on a deal, personal terms aren’t expected to be an issue.

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

Lavia joined Southampton from 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.