Arsenal discussing terms to sign ‘incredible’ Liverpool target
Arsenal are progressing in their move to sign Southampton’s Romeo Lavia but Chelsea and Liverpool are looking very closely.
Romeo Lavia may receive strong interest from Chelsea and Liverpool if Southampton are willing to drop their asking price.
That is according to The Express, who report that Arsenal have made progress with regards to agreeing personal terms with Lavia.
Lavia is represented by agent Emeka Obasi, who has strong ties to Arsenal as he also represents Bukayo Saka, Eddie Nketiah and Folarin Balogun as well as former Gunners Alex Iwobi, Chuba Akpom and Stephy Mavididi.
That will give Arsenal hope of a deal but they have also communicated that they have no plans to meet Southampton’s £45million asking price.
Southampton struck a £14million deal to sign Lavia from Manchester City last summer but now want a huge profit on the Belgian.
Arsenal don’t want to pay that kind of money and it seems that Premier League rivals feel similarly.
Chelsea and Liverpool want Lavia too but will only really enter the race if Southampton bring their asking price down.
The Saints have been relegated to the Championship but are standing firm on their valuation as things stand.
Manchester City clause may be in mind for Southampton over Romeo Lavia
One thing to consider here is Manchester City’s buy-back clause on Lavia.
When City sold the midfielder last summer, they included a £40million buy-back clause as part of the deal.
However, that clause can only be activated in 2024, meaning City still have a year to wait.
Southampton therefore want a similar fee for the midfielder even after their relegation to the Championship.
Pep Guardiola certainly seems to like Lavia, admitting in April that he and City are of the opinion that he is ‘incredible’.
Arsenal seem to be favourites but they may need to move quickly in order to fend off Chelsea and Liverpool – and maybe even City, who will be watching the situation closely.
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