Arsenal keen to hijack Chelsea’s pursuit of 19-year-old midfielder

Arsenal are interested in signing Chelsea target Romeo Lavia

As per the Guardian, Arsenal are targeting a move for Southampton midfielder and Chelsea target Romeo Lavia after withdrawing their interest in Moises Caicedo.

Doing the latter has made Chelsea the favourites to land Caicedo, although the price tag negotiation with Brighton and Hove Albion may take some time.

The Blues were also in the race to sign Lavia and had the Belgian as one of the backup options if the Caicedo deal does not get over the line.

The Southampton midfielder had an excellent season after joining them from Manchester City last season. He could not save the Saints from going down though.

Chelsea wanted to sign Lavia days after Southampton did 12 months ago, but the South Coast club understandably rejected the offer.

It remains to be seen which club takes the upper hand in signing the 19-year-old. For Chelsea, if they are convinced of the fee that will get Caicedo, they can withdraw the interest in the former.

However, if there are doubts, the Blues should make sure that the Lavia isn’t fully closed and Arsenal do not have an easy run to signing him.

Chelsea would need a player like that in the squad (Lavia or Caicedo) following the anticipated departure of N’Golo Kante to Al Ittihad and Mateo Kovacic to Manchester City.

More Chelsea News

• Toni Kroos has slammed Chelsea legend Eden Hazard’s time at Real Madrid
• Chelsea remain in contention to sign Declan Rice after an opening bid from Arsenal was rejected
• Chelsea ready to sell Kai Havertz to Arsenal for the right price

The Blues also have to sign a striker this summer. Another season without one would make it tough for the team to climb up the table. They have agreed on personal terms with Villarreal forward Nicolas Jackson. Although the Senegal international is still a young player in the European circuit, he has the talent and a good season behind him to come here with confidence and do well.