According to well-known Belgian journalist Sacha Tavolieri (as claimed by Football.London), Chelsea are leading the chase for Southampton midfielder Romeo Lavia. But they are not alone in the hunt with Manchester United, as well as former club Manchester City, also keeping close tabs on his situation at St Mary’s following a £14m summer transfer.
??? Les clubs les plus pressants au moment T sur le dossier Roméo #Lavia sont #ManUtd & #ChelseaFC. #ManCity reste vigilant si départ cet été au milieu mais reste avantagé grâce à la clause de rachat inclus dans son contrat et la relation entre le #DiablesRouges & #Guardiola. pic.twitter.com/rwSyqFa0zR
— Sacha Tavolieri (@sachatavolieri) March 17, 2023
While the Skyblues hold an advantage for the buy-back clause in the teenager’s contract, the Blues’ long-standing interest makes them the frontrunners. Todd Boehly was almost after every transfer over the past couple of windows and the spending spree is likely to continue in the coming days due to an underwhelming run of results under Graham Potter.
The 19-year-old midfield prodigy has been the only bright spark in a gloomy Southampton side who are currently rock-bottom in the Premier League standings. A scintillating comeback against Spurs (as they scored two late goals to finish 3-3) might not be enough to maintain their top-flight existence, but the big guns of English football are circling like vultures to secure Lavia’s services.
The youngster spent academy years with Anderlecht and Manchester City before breaking into the latter’s senior squad back in September 2021. He only featured in two Cup games during the 2021-22 term, but his profile and promises sparked the Saints to cash in on him prior to this season.
Why Chelsea Should Snap Him Up In The Summer Window
The Belgian youth international has received his first senior call-up by new boss Domenico Tedesco for the upcoming international break. He earned an instant first-team status under former Southamton boss Ralph Hasenhuttl, also his successor Rubén Sellés is deploying him week in week out in the middle of the park. So far he has featured 24 times across competitions and has showcased his expertise as a deep-lying playmaker.
Chelsea, meanwhile, must aim for a midfield overhaul to restore stability and depth. N’Golo Kante has gone through persistent injury problems all throughout the campaign, whereas the likes of Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Denis Zakaria have failed to prove their worth in limited opportunities. Mateo Kovacic had his highs and lows and the London giants, therefore, must inject more firepower in midfield alongside Enzo Fernández.
Lavia ticks many boxes to flourish in Potter’s brand of football and it remains to be seen whether the Blues rope in the teenage prospect who scored against them in a 2-1 Saints victory earlier this campaign.
