Arsenal are advancing talks for what could be their fourth signing of the summer as they approach Southampton for midfield talent Romeo Lavia, it has been revealed.
The Gunners are already locked in talks for three stars this summer, with two bids having been tabled for West Ham skipper Declan Rice and one bid for 24-year-old attacker Kai Havertz having already been rejected by Chelsea, though there is confidence that a deal can be struck for less than the £75m asking price set by the west London side.
Meanwhile, they have also seen a £30m bid for Ajax defender Jurrien Timber turned down as Mikel Arteta looks to find cover for William Saliba.
Now, they are targetting a fourth potential signing with Southampton’s Lavia firmly in the crosshairs and the Gunners are ‘close to agreeing personal terms’, though no official bid has been made.
The midfielder, who was a central part of a relegated Saints side last season, ‘is likely to leave Southampton… and is valued at £45m’, with Chelsea and Liverpool both also having been linked with the Belgian teenager.
The Gunners are ‘likely to push for a lower fee’, but could face plenty of competition for Lavia’s signature should they push forward with a move, with other midfield options also thought to be under consideration.
Matters surrounding Lavia are complicated by Manchester City too, with Pep Guardiola’s side having a buy-back clause set at £40m that comes into effect next summer should they wish to exercise it, meaning that clubs will have to move this summer to secure his signature.
Should Arsenal be able to pull off the move, however, it would be another massive statement of intent from Mikel Arteta’s side.
