Arsenal ready to join race for Southampton midfielder Romeo Lavia?

Arsenal have allegedly identified Southampton midfielder Romeu Lavia as a potential summer transfer target.

Although the Gunners are enjoying their best campaign for two decades, there has been constant talk about their midfield options.

With Mohamed Elneny suffering a season-ending knee injury, it has left Thomas Partey, Granit Xhaka, Jorginho and Martin Odegaard as the club's option in the middle of the pitch.

While Fabio Vieira can also be added to that list, Mikel Arteta is seemingly lacking either another defensive-minded option or an all-rounder who could inject energy into the team.

That issue is expected to be rectified later in 2023 with West Ham United's Declan Rice being heavily linked with a switch to the Emirates Stadium.

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Given the finances involved and level of competition, sealing that transfer is far from a foregone conclusion, leaving Arteta to consider alternatives.

According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Arsenal are among the teams monitoring any developments with Lavia.

The 19-year-old is regarded as one of the top midfield prospects in world football, already making 19 appearances for Southampton this season despite a spell out with a knee injury.

The Saints would ideally like to keep the Belgian in the long term but a number of factors, including potential relegation to the Championship, could hinder their efforts.

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Manchester City possess the option to activate a £40m buy-back clause in 2024, but other clubs such as Chelsea are contemplating whether to move for Lavia in the summer.

Romano adds that Arsenal are still toying with the idea of trying to sign Moises Caicedo from Brighton & Hove Albion, despite that deal potentially costing upwards of £70m.

Nevertheless, Lavia is seemingly viewed in the same bracket as Caicedo, as well as his valuation being considerably less than the Ecuador international's price tag.

Despite Lavia having a contract until 2024, that is effectively rendered largely irrelevant with Man City having the option to re-sign him next year, that factor having to come into consideration if teams express an interest beforehand.