In a recent report, The Times stated that Arsenal have identified Southampton midfielder Romeo Lavia as a target for this summer transfer window. It has been claimed that the Gunners are eyeing a move to recruit the Belgian talent in this off-season.
Lavia’s Solid Campaign At St. Mary’s Stadium
Lavia managed to put in a run of solid displays at the heart of Southampton’s midfield but failed to help the Saints avoid getting relegated from the Premier League. The Belgian sensation was involved in 35 matches for his current employers last season, registering one goal and one assist in all competitions.
The 19-year-old was a positive influence at both ends of the field based on his average of 2.1 tackles, 1.1 interceptions, 0.8 clearances, 0.6 key passes and 1.0 dribbles per 90 minutes in the Premier League. He was even accurate when distributing possession from midfield after making 86.4% of his attempted passes in the top tier of English football (stats via whoscored).
His current contract at Southampton will run out in 2027. Hence, it won’t be easy for the Gunners to land him on the cheap during this summer transfer window.
What Will Lavia Bring To Arsenal?
Lavia can get stuck in with a few solid tackles to make life difficult for the opposition at the centre of the park. He can sense the danger quickly to secure the ball back for his team inside his half and usually clears the danger when needed. The Belgian talent has also got the vision to engineer a few promising chances for his teammates in the final third. He can even make a few energetic runs with the ball from midfield.
We can expect Lavia to bring more bite and steel to Arsenal head coach Mikel Arteta’s midfield. He is good enough to fight for a regular starting place at the Emirates Stadium next season.
At 19, the future is quite bright for Lavia. Hence, the Gunners will do well to bring him to North London before the end of this transfer window. He already knows the Premier League well by now and won’t take any time to settle into Arteta’s brand of football at the London club in the upcoming campaign.
