Arsenal talks over Southampton signing are ongoing

Romano claims Arsenal like Lavia and view him as a top talent. They have a good relationship with his agents.

The club see Lavia as a potential replacement for Thomas Partey should the Ghanaian midfielder leave during the current window.

The timing will reportedly be key, with Chelsea also interested in a move. Manchester United also like Lavia, though their interest isn’t currently advancing.

Jacob Steinberg reported earlier this week that Arsenal had held talks over moving for Lavia this summer.

Lavia is reportedly likely to leave in the current window, and he’s valued at £45m by the Championship side following their relegation.

Whilst Chelsea have registered their interest and Manchester United and Liverpool are also watching on, there’s a growing belief that he’ll end up at Arsenal.

But Arsenal are likely to push for a lower fee, and it remains to be seen whether Southampton will stand firm on their asking price.

Earlier in the year, Sami Mokbel wrote for the Daily Mail that whilst Rice remains Arsenal’s top-priority target, the Gunners also have Lavia on their summer shortlist.

David Ornstein then confirmed that Arsenal admire Lavia as an option for a midfield signing.

“I think they will be looking for high-calibre signings that can take them on,” Ornstein told FIVE. “They’ve got interest in loads of players, no doubt…it’s not just [Declan] Rice and [Moises] Caicedo. Players like Romeo Lavia are admired by Arsenal.”

Lavia joined Southampton from Manchester City last summer, with a £40m buyback clause in his contract.

However, that clause is only active from the summer of 2024, so this summer represents an opportunity for another club to take advantage.

With Southampton going down, Lavia is likely to push for a move, but no formal bids have yet been reported.