Arsenal have lost ground in the race to sign Southampton star Romeo Lavia in the summer transfer window. The Belgian midfielder has been tipped to leave the Saints following their relegation from the Premier League.
The north Londoners are eager to bolster their midfield options during the summer transfer window, football.london understands. West Ham United captain Declan Rice remains at the top of Mikel Arteta's wishlist with the Gunners now closing in on a £105million deal for the 24-year-old.
Granit Xhaka and Thomas Partey have both been linked with exits this summer which could force Arsenal into signing at least two new midfielders ahead of next season. Kai Havertz has been confirmed as the Gunners' first signing of the summer with the German expected to operate in a No.8 role - similar to that of Martin Odegaard.
