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Football London
Football London
Sport
Aaron Catterson-Reid

Arsenal and Edu given Southampton transfer instruction as trio become available after relegation

Southampton are the first team to officially be relegated from the Premier League this season.

The Saints' 2-0 loss to Fulham on Saturday afternoon confirmed that they will be going down this term, now sitting eight points behind safety with just two games left to play. Their relegation to the Championship could result in a mass exodus of players during this summer's transfer window if they are in need of a boost to their finances.

With that being said, football.london has taken a look at three members of Ruben Selles' squad that Arsenal could perhaps look at if they wanted to sign some players for a cut-price deal.

READ MORE: Who is Mohamed Simakan? The 'next Raphael Varane' Arsenal are linked with in summer transfer

Romeo Lavia

The Gunners are keen to bolster their midfield options at the end of the current campaign, football.london understands and West Ham United captain Declan Rice remains the club's priority. However, they have also been linked with a move for talented youngster Romeo Lavia in recent times.

At just 19 years old, Lavia has established himself as one of the most talented young midfielders in the Premier League this term, more than capable of operating as a lone six in a 4-3-3 system, a role that Thomas Partey has occupied for the majority of Arsenal's season. Lavia's ability to progress the ball between the lines was on full display when the Saints travelled to the Emirates Stadium last month, delivering an exceptional passing performance in his side's 3-3 draw.

Kyle Walker-Peters

Another played that has been mooted as a potential summer target for Arsenal is right-back Kyle Walker-Peters. The former Tottenham Hotspur academy graduate offers the kind of tactical flexibility that would excite Gunners boss Mikel Arteta, regularly filling in at left-back due to his impressive weak-foot ability.

The Athletic have reported that the England international is on the north London club's radar ahead of the summer window, when he is expected to depart St Mary's Stadium. Arsenal's backup left-back Kieran Tierney has been heavily linked with a move away from the Emirates over the last few months and perhaps Walker-Peters would make a viable replacement for the Scotsman.

Armel Bella-Kotchap

Arsenal want to bolster their defence during the summer window, football.london understands, with Crystal Palace's Marc Guehi one name on the club's shortlist of options. Another young Premier League-proven centre-half they should consider is Southampton starlet Armel Bella-Kotchap.

Despite Southampton struggling defensively this season, Bella-Kotchap's talent has stood out. He is still just 21 and has plenty of potential, albeit still raw.

The young centre-half is intelligent with his positioning whilst also being physically dominant, making him the perfect type of player to sign as a backup to Gunners star William Saliba.

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