Premier League clubs Arsenal and Chelsea could reportedly face stiff competition from Manchester City for Southampton midfielder Romeo Lavia, with City’s buy-back clause set to become active in 2024. According to the latest YouTube video by Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano, several clubs are eager to acquire the services of the talented Belgium international this summer.
Southampton’s Lavia has made quite an impression during his tenure with the club. Despite being released from Manchester City’s Etihad Stadium last summer, the team still holds him in high regard. According to reports, the 19-year-old midfielder has garnered the interest of Arsenal and Chelsea, who are said to be vying for his signature.
According to Romano’s latest video, Romeo Lavia is being closely monitored by several clubs, including Arsenal and Chelsea, as the summer transfer window approaches. According to sources, Manchester City still holds a high regard for the player even after his transfer to Southampton. However, it has been reported that a buy-back clause option exists for City, which can only be exercised in 2024. This has opened up the possibility for other clubs to make a move for the player during the current transfer window.
The possibility of Chelsea’s interest in Lavia may hinge on their new manager. However, Joe Shields, who serves as the head of recruitment at Stamford Bridge, has a good understanding of Lavia from his tenure at Manchester City and Southampton.
Southampton’s regular playtime has evidently been advantageous for Lavia, who could potentially offer a substantial boost to both Arsenal and Chelsea’s midfield in the upcoming season. As per reports, Arsenal are in dire need of younger options in midfield, given that their current midfielders, namely Granit Xhaka, Thomas Partey, and Jorginho, are ageing. Chelsea’s season has been a challenging one, and it appears that they will be implementing significant changes this summer. Lavia is being considered as a potential long-term replacement for the ageing and injury-prone N’Golo Kante.
Arsenal and Chelsea are reportedly in a race against time to secure the services of Lavia this summer, as Manchester City’s buy-back clause is set to become active in 2024. Several top Premier League clubs have taken notice of Lavia’s potential, but it is yet to be determined which club will make the initial move.
