Theo Walcott has revealed exactly how Southampton star Romeo Lavia would solve Graham Potter's midfield conundrum. The 19-year-old was heavily linked with a move to Chelsea in the summer, less than two months after joining the Saints from Manchester City.
According to the Evening Standard, Southampton rejected a £50million deadline day bid from the Blues for the teenage sensation. The west Londoners were in the market for a midfielder amid the uncertain futures of N'Golo Kante and Jorginho, whose respective deals expire at the end of the season.
The report adds that the Saints turned down the offer as they had little to no time to secure a replacement. Lavia has since continued to be heavily linked with a move to Chelsea, with the club frustrated they were unable to bolster their midfield amid a raft of injuries.
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It remains to be seen whether the Blues reignite their pursuit of the Belgium youth international, but Todd Boehly has been told exactly why he must. Speaking on Talksport, Walcott claimed Lavia plays 'way above his age right now' and has some qualities of a player who has played many more times in the top-flight.
The wonderkid has, in fact, only got 12 senior games under his belt. The former Arsenal forward said: "I’m a big fan [of Lavia].
"He’s obviously had a few injuries but he’s coming back. He’s young, he’s 18/19 when he’s off the field but when he’s on the field, it’s mad.
"It’s like he’s played over 200 games in the Premier League, that’s how much I rate him. It’s very interesting to see, watching him from the stands, obviously it looks so easy from the stands, it always does.
"You probably know that watching us, ‘he should make that run or make that pass’, it’s not as straightforward as that but when I watch him, I’m like ‘you look way above your age right now’. It’s a good sign and hopefully we can keep him fit. They are all learning, but in particular, he’s learning quicker than normal I would say."
Lavia looks set to be a huge success wherever he plays, with Kevin de Bruyne also an admirer of his fellow countryman. Speaking on the MIDMID podcast last year, the City midfielder said: "He’s [Romeo Lavia] very good.
"He’s been training with us [the Man City first-team] since the end of last year [2021]. If he continues his development, I think he’ll be a top player."
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