Liverpool are set to make a preliminary offer for Southampton midfielder Romeo Lavia, who is desired by both Arsenal and Chelsea, and which club he is most likely to join has been revealed. This summer, the Reds are transforming their entire midfield. That is the region of the pitch that affected Liverpool’s season the most last year. Hence midfield reconstruction is already underway.
Arsenal, Chelsea and Liverpool keen to sign Romeo Lavia
However, according to Fabrizio Romano, Liverpool might land another midfielder at Anfield. Celta Vigo’s Gabri Veiga has been mentioned, but Liverpool’s third acquisition is believed to be more defensive. As a result, Manu Kone, Khephren Thuram, and Romeo Lavia will now be examined.
Lavia is coming off after an outstanding year at Southampton. His contributions in the engine room weren’t enough to prevent the club avoid relegation. However he was one of a few south coast stars to receive admiration.
Arsenal and Chelsea, the London clubs, have been closely linked with Lavia. Indeed, Romano stated that the Gunners are “still very interested” despite signing Declan Rice, while The Athletic’s Jacob Tanswell stated that the Blues also have an great interest. However, according to talkSPORT, Liverpool are ready to strike first and make an official approach as soon as possible.
They claimed that Liverpool is ‘preparing a preliminary bid’ for Lavia and have thus ‘moved ahead’ of Chelsea and Arsenal in the contest. Southampton, according to talkSPORT, are looking for a £50 million deal before parting ways with their 19-year-old wonder. This corresponds to the figure cited by Romano on Sunday night. The amount at which Liverpool intends to open the bidding has not been disclosed.
When Man City sold Lavia to Southampton last summer, they included a buy-back clause in his contract. However, Romano stated that the clause does not take effect until 2024 and that it will be considered invalid if Lavia joins another team this summer.
The Reds are the top favourites to sign Lavia
The Athletic’s Jacob Tanswell shared his thoughts on who is most likely to win the Lavia race. Tanswell operates as a Southampton specialist for The Athletic and identified the Reds as favourites in an interview with Empire of the Kop.
Tanswell said, “Liverpool or Chelsea” when asked who would likely to sign the Belgian.
“I probably think Liverpool, with Jurgen Klopp and with the background [work] they’ve done on him, that probably looks the likely destination.”
Despite his club’s relegation, the Belgian has established himself in the Premier League and was one of the positives in a terrible season. The 19-year-old appeared in 35 games in all competitions, scoring once and assisting once. He impressed with his composure and ability to dodge challenges while maintaining possession of the ball. However Potential suitors might feel disappointed by the Saints’ hefty asking price for him.
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