Arsenal are reportedly in pole position to sign Southampton’s Romeo Lavia following recent developments in the race for the midfielder.
According to Football Insider, the 19-year-old has verbally agreed to sign for the Gunners. He is also wanted by Chelsea, Manchester United and Liverpool, but a verbal agreement with Arsenal seemingly puts them ahead in the race for the relegated star.
But despite the Saints dropping down to the Championship ahead of next season, Lavi will reportedly not come cheap.
A fee of around £50m is expected to be enough to lure Lavia away from St. Mary’s, which is quite high given Southampton’s status.
Lavi is expected to join Declan Rice and Kai Havertz at the Emirates as Mikel Arteta rebuilds his midfield.
Central midfield was the oldest area of Arsenal’s squad last season, but with both Granit Xhaka and Thomas Partey potentially heading for the exit door this summer, the three aforementioned players will bring some much-needed youth to Arsenal’s engine room.
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