Championship boss confirms 19-year-old Chelsea target’s future is close to reaching ‘conclusion’

Russell Martin reveals Southampton are preparing life without Romeo Lavia amid Chelsea interest

Southampton manager Russell Martin has confirmed the club is preparing for life without Romeo Lavia after claims that Chelsea have reached an agreement with the Saints to sign the midfielder.

The last two days saw Chelsea and Liverpool indulge in an intense transfer battle for the 19-year-old as both clubs’ bids for the 19-year-old Belgian were rejected.

Chelsea made a £48 million offer for Lavia, which was just short of the Saints’ asking price by £2 million, while the Reds’ last bid was around £45 million. However, the Blues seem to be closing on a deal after making a second proposal worth £55 million.

The Championship side is looking to wrap up the deal after Chelsea offered more than their asking price. After dropping down to the second division, it was always going to be an uphill task for them to keep one of their most prized assets. And that has proven to be the case.

The club’s manager, Martin, has remarked that they are looking forward to seeing the season without their talented midfielder. He said (h/t Football.London) as quoted by Alfie House of the Daily Echo, as he said:

“He has been great while his situation has rumbled on for a long time. That needs to come to a conclusion quickly for him, for us, and really for everyone. It’s edging slowly towards a conclusion, and I think we have been preparing for life without him for the six weeks we’ve been here, so it’s not a massive drama.”

Southampton haven’t included Lavia in their team for their three competitive games so far this season. He was an unused substitute in their 2-1 opening day win against Sheffield Wednesday in the Championship but has been completely left out of the matchday squads for the last two matches. The latest was the Saints’ 4-4 league draw against Norwich City yesterday.

Martin has confirmed the Saints are preparing for life without him; this makes it clear Lavia is likely to leave, and so far we seem to be ahead of the competition. Signing Lavia and Moises Caicedo will be a hit transfer for us as it will transform our midfield into a robust unit, given the magnitude of players that have left SW6 in that position this summer.

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Lavia’s talent is undeniable; he will offer a great deal of quality and can future-proof our midfield for more than a decade if he continues to develop at this rate. He can also compete with Caicedo for a place or start alongside him and Enzo if Pochettino wants to go for a defensive approach in games.