Arsenal are reportedly making progress in talks over a deal for Southampton midfielder Romeo Lavia.
The 19-year-old was a standout performer for the Saints in a troubled 2022-23 campaign, which saw the South Coast side suffer relegation to the Championship with a 20th-placed finish in the Premier League.
Lavia ended his debut season with one goal and one assist from 35 matches across all tournaments, helping the Saints reach the semi-finals of the EFL Cup despite a knee injury early on in the season.
Southampton have the former Manchester City youngster under contract for another four years, but they are unlikely to retain his services following their demotion to the second tier.
Lavia's dynamic displays in the middle of the park have apparently led to interest from Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester United and Arsenal, and there is said to be a growing belief that he will end up at the Emirates Stadium.
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According to Fabrizio Romano, the Gunners are now advancing in negotiations with Lavia's representatives, but they are yet to make an official bid for his services.
Southampton could demand a club-record fee to let the teenager leave in the current window, although garnering more than the £75m that Liverpool paid for Virgil van Dijk in 2018 may be a tall order.
While Man United are also keeping a close eye on the situation, the Red Devils are currently focusing on their pursuit of Chelsea's Mason Mount, who could take up £50m of their budget.
Man City apparently inserted a £40m buyback clause into Lavia's contract last summer, but the Premier League champions cannot trigger that option until the end of next season, and the clause will also be voided if the Belgian moves elsewhere this summer.
With Man City potentially losing Ilkay Gundogan and Bernardo Silva this summer, a move for Lavia has naturally been mooted, but Mateo Kovacic and Declan Rice are thought to be higher up the Citizens' wishlist.
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Lavia made just two appearances for Man City's first team before departing for Southampton in a £10.5m deal, and he could be one of a few midfield reinforcements to arrive at the Emirates this summer.
Arsenal are now believed to have had two bids rejected for West Ham United captain Rice, most recently failing with an offer of £75m plus £15m in performance-related add-ons.
Versatile Chelsea forward Kai Havertz has also reportedly been the subject of a second £60m bid from Arsenal, who are attracted to his versatility and could try to mould him into a number 8.
The possible exits of Granit Xhaka, Thomas Partey and Albert Sambi Lokonga could create space for a new trio of midfielders, with the former on the verge of a permanent exit to Bayer Leverkusen.
Partey is rumoured to be on the radar of Saudi Arabian clubs, while Burnley boss Vincent Kompany is reportedly keen on a reunion with Lokonga, whom he coached at Anderlecht before his move to Arsenal in 2021.
Ben Knapton
