Chelsea co-owner Todd Boehly remains keen to bring Southampton midfielder Romeo Lavia to Stamford Bridge this summer. football.london understands Chelsea retain an interest in Lavia after initially showing intent to sign him last summer.
Lavia has impressed in his breakthrough Premier League campaign for the Saints after joining from Manchester City for around £11million. Understandably, his high quality performances in the middle of the park have attracted the attention of several European clubs, including Champions League quarter-finalists Chelsea.
The Blues seemingly lead the race for the 19-year-old having previously attempted to snatch him from the south coast towards the start of this season. Despite only joining Southampton during the summer transfer window, Chelsea immediately tried to sign the highly-rated Belgian a mere matter of weeks later, having a deadline day bid of £50million rejected.
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According to Belgian journalist Sacha Tavolieri, there is 'intense pressure' coming from Chelsea to sign Lavia, who has just earned his first call-up to his national side.
Tavolieri tweeted: "Selected for the 1st time by Domenico #Tedesco, Roméo Lavia is the subject of intense pressing by #ChelseaFC . As we reported to you in December, #CFC wants to accelerate and this week met the entourage of #DiablesRouges in Belgium. #mercato"
Any potential move at the end of this season could be helped if Southampton are relegated to the Championship. Lavia has been a shining light in the Saints' disappointing season, as they remain embroiled in a titanic relegation battle. He has impressed with his commanding performances that belie his inexperience at the top level.
However, Chelsea are likely to face stiff competition, with both Arsenal and Manchester United also said to be keen on a move. Despite impressing much of the footballing world this campaign, Saints boss Ruben Selles had previously admitted to being unimpressed by the teenager.
"I will say he’s not impressed me," Selles said in his press conference, via HampshireLive. "He has more football to offer and I expect him to offer more football. He’s not there yet. He needs to step up and move forward.
"Romeo has all the qualities to become a great player, but I don’t think he’s there yet. And this is why he didn’t impress me."
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