Arsenal transfers: Talks confirmed as Mikel Arteta told why timing ‘crucial’ over £40m summer target
Fabrizio Romano has backed up claims Arsenal are eager to sign Romeo Lavia, insisting talks have taken place amid excellent relations between those involved.
The Gunners are looking to build on last season’s massive improvement that saw them finish second in the Premier League. Their reward is a return to the Champions League and Mikel Arteta is busy shaping his squad. There will be departures during the off-season, with Granit Xhaka almost certainly moving to Bayer Leverkusen.
And there is every chance that Thomas Partey will also exit the Emirates Stadium.
Romano has tweeted about the Ghana international, suggesting there is a ‘concrete chance’ he will leave this summer.
There will be the need for midfield reinforcements, with West Ham’s Declan Rice the number one target.
But the Spanish tactician is said to have his eyes on other players as well. Romeo is among them after his first season with Southampton.
The Belgian moved to St Mary’s from Manchester City last summer, penning a five-year deal. He enjoyed 26 starts among 29 top-flight appearances, scoring one goal.
It seems as though the talented youngster caught Arteta’s eye, with reports Arsenal were leading the way for his signature.
Romano has now doubled down on the reports, suggesting dialogue is already under way over a summer move.
“Arsenal have concrete and strong interest in Romeo Lavia,” he tweeted. “Relationship is excellent with his camp – talks already took place.”
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But the Italian transfer guru feels the north Londoners should not waste any time with their approach.
“Timing will be crucial as Chelsea remain interested,” he added. “Man United appreciate Lavia but still not advancing. City buy back clause only valid 2024.”
Lavia to provide options for Arteta
Despite his tender years, Lavia is set to command a transfer fee in the region of £40m.
Both Chelsea and Manchester United have been mentioned in connection with the starlet. But it seems as though Arsenal hold all the aces at present.
And it is easy to see why they want him on board. With the club’s history of signing young players, he ticks all the right boxes.
He is able to operate as a holding midfielder or in central defence and has excellent passing ability from a deep-lying midfield role.
Capped once for Belgium, he is clearly a player for the future.
It seems unlikely that City will exercise their buy-back option with the embarrassment of riches available to Pep Guardiola.
A move to Arsenal makes sense but much may depend on whether they can lure Rice to the Emirates.
An initial bid of £80m has, as expected, been rejected. They will return with an improved offer but whether it meets the Hammers’ valuation only time will tell.
These are exciting times for Arsenal fans and the addition of England ace Rice would only ramp up the expectation.
Lavia is not as high profile but could be someone who develops into a vital cog in the Gunners machine.