Arsenal stun Chelsea, Man Utd with approach for £40m Guardiola favourite; Gunners now ‘leading the race’

Arsenal are reportedly leading the race for Southampton midfielder Romeo Lavia, who is also a target for Chelsea and Manchester United. 

Mikel Arteta’s priority is still to sign West Ham captain Declan Rice, but the manager could look to bring in two midfielders this summer.

Despite Southampton’s relegation, Lavia was one of the few positives of their season. So, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see him join a Premier League club.

The 19-year-old joined the Saints from Manchester City for a fee of £14m. The Cityzens have a release clause worth £40m in his contract, but it only becomes active in 2024.

Pep Guardiola is still a huge fan of Lavia’s, too. In a recent interview, Guardiola said: “I am really impressed with what Romeo has done and is doing.

“We had, and we have, an incredible opinion about him. We wanted to keep him, but maybe he would not (get) enough minutes like he has in Southampton.”

So, Guardiola would no doubt be frustrated to see Lavia sign for Arsenal, or indeed Chelsea or Man Utd, before Man City’s buyback clause comes into effect.

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Arsenal ‘favourites’ to sign Lavia

Now, according to the Independent, Arsenal are ‘favourites’ to sign Lavia this summer, despite interest from Chelsea and Man Utd.

Reports suggest he could be available for £40m. While this may seem expensive for a Championship player, if the youngster lives up to his potential, he will be worth every penny.

In 2022/23, he made 29 Premier League appearances in 2022/23, scoring one goal.

A versatile player, Lavia can play as a defensive midfielder or as a centre-back. So, he could provide cover in several positions for Arteta next season.

As mentioned, though, Rice remains Arsenal’s primary transfer target for the summer.

The Gunners have already seen an £80m bid rejected for the England international. But, they will respond with an improved offer in the near future. Although, they will have to move quickly, as Man City remain in the race.

Despite Arsenal’s focus on Rice, the Independent add that Arsenal could sign both him and Lavia this summer.

As a result, Arteta’s midfield could look quite different next season. Indeed, Granit Xhaka is set to join Bayer Leverkusen if the Rice deal goes to plan. #

The Switzerland international played all but one of Arsenal’s Premier League games in 2022/23. So Rice and Lavia could have a job on their hands filling in for him next season, if the Gunners sign them this summer.

READ MORE: Rice to Arsenal has huge impact on Chelsea transfer as Brighton take West Ham advice; Seagulls announce latest midfield capture