Arsenal are advancing in their pursuit of Southampton starlet Romeo Lavia, according to transfer guru Fabrizio Romano.
The north Londoners have been heavily linked with a move for the Belgian international in recent times as holding midfielder Thomas Partey's future at the Emirates Stadium remains uncertain. It is claimed that a number of Saudi Arabian clubs are interested in signing Partey during the summer transfer window, with Lavia potentially replacing him in Mikel Arteta's squad.
Speaking about the Gunners' current plans, transfer insider Romano told Caught Offside: "Arsenal are also advancing on signing Romeo Lavia from Southampton. Manchester United and Chelsea are also still interested.
"Liverpool are informed on conditions of the deal but at the moment there is nothing else advanced with these teams. For sure Southampton want at least £45/50m fee to let Lavia go."
Lavia enjoyed a breakthrough 2022/23 campaign with Southampton, who he joined just a year ago - signing from Manchester City, who have a £40 million buyback clause in the 19-year-old's current contract at St Mary's Stadium. But the Saints' relegation to the Championship will no doubt have a huge impact on his future on the south coast.
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Lavia's agent Emeka Obasi is said to share a solid working relationship with Arsenal. Obasi's Elite Football Group agency has three high-profile clients currently plying their trade at the Gunners, in the form of Bukayo Saka, Eddie Nketiah and Folarin Balogun.
football.london understands West Ham United captain Declan Rice is a priority for Arteta this summer and the Gunners have already had two bids rejected for the England international. With the futures of Thomas Partey and Granit Xhaka uncertain, it's possible Rice will partner Lavia in the Gunners' midfield next season if Edu gets the two deals over the line.
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