Mauricio Pochettino’s Chelsea are now reportedly serious about signing Southampton defensive midfielder Romeo Lavia ahead of Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal.
The Independent journalist Miguel Delaney has reported that Chelsea are now seriously involved in the race to sign Southampton defensive midfielder and Arsenal target Romeo Lavia in the summer transfer window.
Writing in his Reading the Game newsletter (12:05pm, June 23, 2023), Delaney noted that Arsenal are now concerned about London and Premier League rivals Chelsea in regard to securing the services of the 19-year-old Belgium international, who is “such a rare player”, according to former Manchester City defender and Burnley manager Vincent Kompany in Het Nieuwsblad in September 2021.
Delaney wrote: “Southampton were this week described as ‘rubbing their hands with glee’ as interest in Romeo Lavia greatly steps up.
“While he had been seen as likely going to Arsenal, and probably joining Declan Rice, Chelsea are now seriously involved. That is a story we’ve seen before.
“Of concern for Arsenal is that Lavia has a strong relationship with Joe Shields, who recently left Southampton for Chelsea, but initially brought Lavia to the south coast.”
Arsenal should be concerned about Chelsea interest in Romeo Lavia
In our view, if Chelsea are serious about signing Romeo Lavia from Southampton in the summer transfer window, then Arsenal should be really concerned.
Chelsea are a big club and a global brand, and the Blues would be appealing to any footballer, even without European football next season.
The Blues have a recent history of winning Premier League titles and the UEFA Champions League.
Arsenal are now just trying to get back to the days when they regularly challenged for the Premier League title and played in the UEFA Champions League.
If the Gunners want to get a deal for Lavia done, then they have to bid for him now and get ahead of Chelsea in the race.
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