Liverpool agree £60 million fee with Southampton for Chelsea target Romeo Lavia. (Photo by Warren Little/Getty Images)
Speaking to Sky Sports (h/t Hampshire Live), Southampton midfielder Romeo Lavia addressed the rumours surrounding his future amidst links with Chelsea.
After a £14m move from Manchester City to Southampton last summer, Lavia has been one of the best young midfielders in the league, despite the indifferent form of his team.
Along with Chelsea, Manchester United and Arsenal are suspected suitors of the 19-year-old. City have a buyback clause in the deal, but that could only be triggered in 2024. With Southampton one of the favourites to get relegated, there could be a bidding war for the midfielder this summer.
Here’s what Lavia said when asked about the links with some of the big clubs in England (h/t Hampshire Live):
“I don’t read it. I don’t read it, because I just don’t think about it. I just enjoy my football and focus on what we have to do as a club. Whatever is outside, it is not what I can control, so I don’t pay attention to that.
“Football, with how it goes, it goes so fast. One moment you can be in the headlines and the next, you’re not. So the only thing to do is just be neutral, don’t think about it and get your head down and work.”
That is quite a measured quote from a young player with unlimited potential. Clubs should keep an eye on his development and make a move if the Saints go down at the end of this season.
The Belgian U21 international is a defensive midfielder by trade, who is adept at winning possession, keeping the ball well, making progressive runs and covering the ground at a rapid pace in the middle of the park.
Lavia is still young and can improve, which is natural, but the attributes he has already possessed mean that he would become a superstar in years to come.
Chelsea have not hesitated in spending money on top young talents under the current ownership. If they want to continue that trend this summer, signing Lavia would fit the bill perfectly.
The 19-year-old’s quality on and off the ball would be a good foil and support for the likes of Enzo Fernandez and N’Golo Kante in midfield.
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