Arsenal have been dealt a major blow as it has emerged that Southampton midfielder and rumoured Arsenal transfer target Romeo Lavia is ‘likely’ to join Liverpool over the Gunners this summer.
Both sides are looking to strengthen in midfield, and Mikel Arteta’s side are closing in on a record-move for Declan Rice from West Ham while Liverpool have signed Alexis Mac Allister and have triggered the release clause of RB Leipzig’s Dominik Szoboszlai.
Klopp and Arteta still remain on the hunt for further reinforcements though, and the two Premier League giants have identified Lavia as a potential option, with the Belgian teenager also having garnered interest from Chelsea and Manchester United, while Manchester City have a buy-back option set at £50m which comes into effect next summer.
The midfielder, who was a central part of a relegated Saints side last season, ‘is likely to leave Southampton… and is valued at £45m’, but it is not Arsenal who are in the driving seat for his signature.
According to the Athletic’s Southampton reporter Jacob Tanswell, Anfield is the most likely destination for the youngster.
“I probably think (Lavia will join) Liverpool, with Jurgen Klopp and with the background (work) they’ve done on him, that probably looks the likely destination”, he explained to Liverpool fan site Empire of the Kop.
It may mean that Arsenal, who are putting the finishing touches on moves for both Rice and Ajax defender Jurrien Timber, may be forced to look elsewhere for further additions this summer.
Liverpool, meanwhile, will undoubtedly be over the moon should they manage to land the talented teen as they look to completely overhaul their midfield.
