Chelsea have opened talks with relegated team for teenage midfielder

Chelsea are now talking to Southampton over the Romeo Lavia deal

As per the understanding of Football.London, Chelsea have opened talks with Southampton to sign Belgian midfielder Romeo Lavia during the summer transfer window.

The report reveals that the former Manchester City player won’t come for cheap despite Southampton’s trip down to the Championship. They can ask for something in the region of £50m.

Chelsea have had a close look at the defensive midfielder throughout the 2022/23 season and are obviously impressed with him. They wanted to sign him last summer too, weeks after Southampton got him from City. The latter rejected that bid and understandably so.

Although the Saints got relegated, Lavia’s performance levels were of a different level to most of his teammates. He was reading the game well, using the ball smartly and had the pace to match the opposition players in defensive transitions.

Chelsea are set to lose two key midfielders this summer, with N’Golo Kante going to AL Ittihad and Mateo Kovacic moving to Manchester City.

Lavia has the talent to partner Enzo Fernandez in a double pivot if Mauricio Pochettino wants to play the 4-2-3-1 system. Moreover, given his age, he can only get better. The Belgian also fits the profile of the young players on the brink of a breakout that Chelsea have been recruiting under Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital.

The Blues are in the race with Arsenal to acquire the services of Brighton’s star midfielder Moises Caicedo. The Ecuadorian, along with Lavia and Fernandez can form a good trio in the central and defensive midfield department.

With regards to the Belgian, Chelsea have to make sure they are quick in this deal because Liverpool have him on their interest books. They recently signed Alexis Mac Allister but are in the market for more midfielders.

More Chelsea News:

• Real Madrid have withdrawn from signing Chelsea star Kai Havertz
• Brighton Hove & Albion weighing offering another bid to sign Chelsea starlet Levi Colwill
• Chelsea target Neymar is willing to play on low wages, offers himself to Barcelona

Hence, instead of delaying the offer and wasting time, the Blues should concentrate on getting the Lavia deal done soon. He would have a great impact on this team regardless of his young age.