Liverpool are making enquiries into signing Southampton ace Romeo Lavia as they attempt to beat Arsenal to his signature.
Arsenal could miss out on Romeo Lavia with Liverpool now chasing a move for the Southampton midfielder.
That is according to Fabrizio Romano, who has been discussing Lavia’s future at Southampton on YouTube.
Romano claims that Arsenal have had positive discussions with both Lavia and Southampton as they seek a deal.
However, Arsenal are prioritising other moves right now with Jurrien Timber, Declan Rice and Kai Havertz all wanted.
That means the door is open for another club to move in and push to sign Lavia – which could be Liverpool.
Romano claims that Liverpool have now ‘opened talks’ for Lavia and are showing a strong interest.
Romano adds that Lavia is now in consideration alongside Khephren Thuram and Manu Kone as Liverpool chase another midfielder.
Alexis Mac Allister is already on board but Lavia is now emerging as a top target for Liverpool.
“Romeo Lavia is in Arsenal’s list and Arsenal had some positive conversations on both the club and player side, but still no official bid,” said Romano. “We know the priority is to resolve other stuff like Timber, Rice and many others – of course Havertz will be official – but it’s important to say that Romeo Lavia remains in Arsenal’s list as one of the players they appreciate, waiting to understand the future of Thomas Partey.”
“From what I understand, also Liverpool have opened talks to sign Romeo Lavia, so Liverpool have an interest in Lavia. Manchester United asked about the situation, Chelsea did the same a few weeks ago, so both clubs are informed but at the moment, they are not that close or active on this deal because it depends on the timing.”
“But for Liverpool, Romeo Lavia is one of the players they are considering. We know about Thuram, we know about Manu Kone – especially Thuram in this moment for Liverpool, he is a concrete target – but we have to add also Romeo Lavia to their list because he is one of the players they appreciate,” he added.
Romeo Lavia could be the long-term heir for Fabinho at Liverpool
Mac Allister is seen as a more creative midfielder but Lavia would be a player to sit in front of the defence.
That’s where Lavia featured for Southampton this past season and where Liverpool may well see him playing under Jurgen Klopp.
That’s the role Fabinho has held for Liverpool but the Brazilian didn’t quite have his best season last term.
19-year-old Lavia would be an option for the long-term and already has a season of Premier League action under his belt.
Lavia is a huge talent and Manchester City do have a buy-back clause which can be activated next summer.
Pep Guardiola admitted in April that he and City are of the opinion that Lavia is ‘incredible’, so City may well be interested.
That may be why Liverpool want to swoop in now and secure a major part of their midfield for the coming years.
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