Arsenal are considering a move for Southampton midfielder Romeo Lavia but Mikel Arteta prefers Mohammed Kudus.
Mikel Arteta would prefer to land Ajax midfielder Mohamed Kudus over Southampton midfielder and Liverpool target Romeo Lavia.
That is according to The Independent, who claim that Arsenal have been tracking a number of midfield targets.
It’s suggested that Arsenal could move to sign Lavia from Southampton if they can cash in on Folarin Balogun.
The American international is attracting major interest in Italy and would bring in major funds for Arsenal to spend.
Arsenal’s plans to sell Balogun may somewhat be impacted by the injury to Gabriel Jesus though.
If Arsenal do bring in funds, then Arsenal could rival Liverpool for Lavia with the Reds having already had two bids rejected.
Arsenal will be a real threat to Liverpool if Jurgen Klopp’s men don’t get a deal over the line soon.
The Gunners appear to fancy Lavia as competition for Thomas Partey in a holding midfield role – but Mikel Arteta prefers somebody else.
Mikel Arteta wants Mohammed Kudus at Arsenal
The report suggests that Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta actually prefers going for Ajax ace Mohammed Kudus over lava.
It’s stated that Arteta has a ‘particular idea’ for his midfield approach and Kudus fits what he wants.
Lavia would be a pure holding midfielder whereas Kudus has exceptional versatility.
The Ghanaian ace has played almost everywhere; right wing, attacking midfield, false nine, box-to-box midfielder and even as a deeper-lying playmaker.
Kudus – hailed as ‘really special’ by Dutch striker Tom van Weert – has a rounded skillset and Arteta seemingly likes the idea of adding him to the Arsenal midfield mix.
The problem is that Arsenal are hardly alone in the race to sign Kudus this summer.
The Athletic suggest that Chelsea have offered personal terms to Kudus in the hope of luring the Ajax star to West London.
Arsenal are seemingly left waiting for a sale here but there may be a real chance that Lavia heads to Liverpool and Kudus joins Chelsea, leaving Arteta without either of his midfield targets.
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