Romeo Lavia has enjoyed a stellar breakout season playing in the heart of Southampton's midfield. 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 and Premier League leaders Arsenal.
Also retaining an interest is the 19-year-old's former club Manchester City, who sold him to the south coast for around £11million last summer. It always seemed like Pep Guardiola's side held an advantage to re-sign the promising Belgian after the deal to take him to St Mary's included a buyback option should City wish to bring him back.
However, it has since emerged this particular clause - one of a number embedded into the contract - will not be valid this summer, as it only comes into effect in 2024. Once that agreement becomes active, the north-west outfit will have the ability to activate Lavia's release clause which is understood to be set in the region of £40million.
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This hands both Arsenal and Chelsea an advantage in the race to sign the highly-rated midfielder, as both can act early and tempt Saints into a sale before City claim that overriding control. Speaking on his YouTube channel, transfer guru Fabrizio Romano explained Arsenal's interest and City's time-limited agreement: "Romeo Lavia is attracting very important interest.
"He is a top talent as a midfielder. Let me say one thing, the buy-back clause for Manchester City is in the contract starting from summer 2024, not now, this is why Man City do not have full control over Lavia this upcoming summer. Other clubs are interested, Arsenal are keeping an eye on the player, Arsenal are following Romeo Lavia, at the moment it’s nothing advanced.
"Remember my words, [Moises] Caicedo remains a target after the discussions they had during the January transfer window. Caicedo is in the list again at Arsenal and Romeo Lavia is a player they are following.”
Romano added Lavia is also the subject of interest from Chelsea, after the Blues made an ambitious move to sign him on deadline day last summer. Despite only joining Southampton during that same transfer window, Chelsea immediately tried to sign the highly-rated Belgian a mere matter of weeks later, having a bid of £50million rejected.
“I also wanted to add Chelsea, because on deadline day (last summer) made an important bid – a really important bid – for Romeo Lavia, it was close to £50 million," he continued. "It was a verbal proposal when they were looking for a midfielder. My understanding is that Chelsea remain interested in Romeo Lavia, and he is highly-rated by Chelsea.
“So keep an eye on Romeo Lavia, because he will be one of the big names of the summer.”
Arsenal are keen to revamp their midfield options at the end of this campaign, with current players Granit Xhaka, Thomas Partey, Jorginho and Mohamed Elneny all 29-years-old or older. Alongside Lavia, the Gunners have placed West Ham United's Declan Rice and Brighton's Moises Caicedo high up on their shopping list this summer.
Chelsea meanwhile have shown no reluctance to spend big money on bright young talent since Todd Boehly's takeover of the club, evidenced by landing fellow midfielder Enzo Fernandez for a British transfer record fee in January. Lavia would fit the bill perfectly for what Boehly and Graham Potter are trying to build at Stamford Bridge.
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