Ben Jacobs backs Chelsea to make a summer move for19-year-old rival PL midfielder

Ben Jacobs backs Chelsea to move for Southampton star Romeo Lavia

Reliable journalist Ben Jacobs has claimed that Chelsea could pursue a summer transfer for Southampton midfielder Romeo Lavia ahead of the 2023/24 season.

The Saints appear certain to be relegated to the championship, and if that takes place, they might experience a mass exodus of top players. And after a standout individual season, numerous elite clubs are expected to strive to sign Lavia.

The 19-year-old has a four-year term left on his contract with Southampton. He has played in 30 games across all competitions during his first season at St Marys’ and has contributed one assist and goal each.

Declan Rice and Moises Caicedo are both players that Chelsea are interested in, as they are in need of a central defensive midfielder. N’Golo Kante and Denis Zakaria continue to be the only holding midfielders at the club. The former’s contract at Stamford Bridge expires in the summer while the latter is set to return to Juventus once his loan spell ends.

It makes sense that the Blues are seeking defensive midfield reinforcements. Speaking to GiveMeSport, Jacobs believes an offer for Lavia could be in the works.

“If Southampton go down, then Lavia will almost certainly go, and a variety of suitors, I think, will realise that there’s a very strong deal there. So Chelsea are another one to watch.”

Chelsea actually needs a holding midfielder because we cannot continue to rely on Kante even if he pens an extension. Injuries have largely limited the French veteran’s impact the last few years. Lavia is a good fit for that position since he can stabilise the midfield and bring balance, which will allow Enzo Fernandez to roam higher up the pitch.

He started playing regularly for Southampton at the young age of 19, which serves to explain how rapidly he rose to prominence in the league. He can future-proof our roster and develop into a world-class player at Stamford Bridge.

More Chelsea News

• Frank Lampard gives update on Benoit Badiashile’s playing time at Chelsea
• Chelsea star Ruben Loftus-Cheek will have to slash his wages if he wants AC Milan transfer
• Thiago Silva’s wife Isabelle da Silva says she feels helpless amid woeful Chelsea form

And if the Saints are demoted to the Championship, we would unquestionably want him to transfer to a top club. We can provide him with that chance. But for now, let’s wait and see how things pan out.