Transfer market expert Fabrizio Romano has offered an update on the future of in-demand Southampton midfielder Romeo Lavia amid links with a move to Arsenal.
While working tirelessly on beating Manchester City to the signing of West Ham United skipper Declan Rice, the Gunners are simultaneously keeping close track of the Saints youngster.
Arsenal have lost ground on the perennial Premier League champions in the race to sign the 24-year-old, forcing them to assess other options, including Lavia.
Rice remains Arsenal’s top priority alongside Ajax’s Jurrien Timber, but Pep Guardiola’s high-flyers are seemingly in a prime position to make the England international Ilkay Gundogan’s long-term successor.
That’s why Lavia, who enjoyed a memorable breakout season at St Mary’s, has emerged as a likely candidate to move to the Emirates Stadium, especially with Thomas Partey’s future up in the air.
The Ghanaian midfielder is keen to reignite his career away from Arsenal. However, he’s unwilling to move to Saudi Arabia despite generating plenty of interest in the Middle East.
Mikel Arteta must address Partey’s situation in a timely manner to be able to switch his attention to the incomings, particularly now that Liverpool have joined the race to land Lavia.
Jurgen Klopp is in the market for reinforcements after parting ways with four long-serving stars at the end of last season, which saw his side fail to secure Champions League qualification for the first time in eight years.
Liverpool waved goodbye to Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Naby Keita and James Milner, while only Alexis Mac Allister has arrived, leaving the Reds with plenty of work to do.
If the constant reports were to be trusted, the Merseyside heavyweights are expected to sign at least two more midfielders to boost Klopp’s options in the engine room.
Lavia is among the potential contenders for one of the slots.
Although no official contact has been made yet, the Reds are ready to challenge Arsenal and Manchester United, who have also asked for information about the Belgian.
Since Lavia’s contract in southern England runs out in 2027, Southampton can name a substantial price tag for their prized asset, who’s not the only name on Liverpool’s radar.
Nice’s Khephren Thuram is of particular interest to Klopp after reigning supreme in Ligue 1 last season, but he won’t come cheap.
Liverpool would have to overcome Paris Saint-Germain and Man City to sign the son of the legendary Lilian, which makes Lavia a more viable candidate.
As for the Reds’ rumoured pursuit of Inter Milan’s Nicolo Barella, it’s hard to envisage the Serie A giants letting go of one of their best-performing players after reaching the Champions League final.
While the Nerazzurri must offload some first-team stars to pay off an emergency £215 million loan they took out in 2021 to avoid losing the club to Oaktree Capital, Barella remains untouchable.
There’s a possibility that Inter could consider the Italian’s departure, but it may take up to £80m to change their mind, a price Liverpool have no intention of paying.
The story linking the Anfield outfit with a move for Real Madrid ace Federico Valverde seems implausible, with the player one of Carlo Ancelotti’s most significant cogs.
With Los Merengues entering a transitional period after the departures of numerous senior first-team stars, Valverde is among those expected to take centre stage next season.
