Arsenal are now showing an interest in a transfer for Southampton star Romeo Lavia, who Theo Walcott is a ‘bag fan’ of. The teen midfielder has blown the winger away this season.
Reports by the Daily Mail now claim Mikel Arteta is monitoring the 19-year-old in view of a swoop this summer. But Arsenal are just one of Lavia’s many admirers around the Premier League. Manchester United and Chelsea have also pencilled in his name on their shortlists.
Chelsea have admired his abilities from afar for a while and have made several enquiries in recent months. The Blues have sought to stay up-to-date with his situation since moving to St Mary’s last July. Southampton paid Manchester City £10.5m, rising £3.5m after add-ons.
The Citizens also gained a 20% sell-on clause in their deal to sell the Belgium U21 ace. The Etihad Stadium natives and St Mary’s club agreed to include a buy-back clause for 2024, as well. Manchester City can take the midfielder back for £40m after his second season away.
Yet Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester United are exploring testing Southampton’s resolve over Lavia’s transfer this summer. The Premier League big-hitters also appreciate what he could offer in their engine rooms. The trio are also all keen to improve their midfield ranks.
Theo Walcott is in awe of new Arsenal transfer target Romeo Lavia at Southampton
Arsenal are exploring luring Lavia from Southampton in the next transfer window as Arteta wants to sign two central midfielders. He has established a prominent role at St Mary’s in a challenging season for the Saints. The teen has played 20 games around a hamstring injury.
He sustained the blow in a 2-1 win over Chelsea in August and did not return to November. Yet the Blues still made a £50m bid on deadline day last summer, per The Athletic. But the Saints rejected it after only signing the midfielder from Manchester City just weeks before.
Chelsea revisited Lavia’s transfer this January as an alternative to Enzo Fernandez, as well, per talkSPORT. But the Saints would have sought in excess of the £50m the Blues bid in the summer to sell. Now, Lavia’s form with Southampton also has Arsenal showing an interest.
Gunners coach Arteta can also draw on former Arsenal winger Walcott for a verdict on the Southampton midfielder. The forward has developed a high appreciation of what Lavia can offer in the Saints’ engine room. They have played in six first-team fixtures together so far.
“I’m a big fan,” Walcott told talkSPORT this January. “He’s obviously had a few injuries but he’s coming back. He’s 18/19 when he’s off the field but when he’s on the field, it’s mad. It’s like he’s played over 200 games in the Premier League – that’s how much I rate him.
“It’s very interesting to see, watching him from the stands. Obviously, it looks so easy from the stands, it always does. You probably know that watching us [and thinking]: ‘He should make that run or make that pass’. It’s not as straightforward as that.
“But when I watch him, I’m like: ‘You look way above your age right now’. It’s a good sign and, hopefully, we can keep him fit. They are all learning. But, in particular, he’s learning quicker than normal, I would say.”
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