According to The Daily Mail, Arsenal have reportedly shown interest in Southampton midfielder Roméo Lavia.
The Belgian midfielder joined Southampton in the previous summer transfer window, costing £14 million from Arsenal’s title rivals Manchester City.
The Daily Mail report that besides Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester United are among those who have “shown interest” in Southampton’s teenage prospect. Manchester City have a buy-back clause for Lavia, valued at £40 million; however, it is invalid until summer 2024.
Additionally, the report states the Gunners “could bring in up to two” central midfielders in the 2023 summer window; with Arsenal’s main midfield target being widely reported as West Ham captain Declan Rice.
The 19-year-old has been a rare shining light in the Saints’ season; despite sitting bottom of the league, Lavia appears to be a sound piece of business for Southampton.
Lavia, who has primarily operated in a deeper midfield role this season, has been a regular starter when fit for Southampton this season, making 21 appearances, scoring 1 goal against Arsenal’s London rivals Chelsea. However, the Belgian has missed 7 games this season due to a hamstring problem, suffered in September.
Lavia is known to be defensively astute, whilst he is able to progress play from deeper positions, driving with the ball and turning away from tight situations near his own box.
