Following internal deliberations on their transfer strategies, Arsenal is reportedly now focused on Romeo Lavia.
The West Ham United captain Declan Rice is thought to be the top target for the Arsenal, but manager Mikel Arteta, who has also been connected to Brighton & Hove Albion star Moises Caicedo, is reportedly interested in signing two midfielders.
According to the aforementioned source, the north London club is now believed to have turned its attention to other players due to the significant amount it would require to sign the Ecuadorian international. Lavia is one alternative that might be considered, and there are currently discussions about bringing the recently demoted Southampton player to the Emirates Stadium this summer.
The Belgian midfielder is reportedly worth roughly £45 million to the Saints and is seen by Arteta as “a better option” than Caicedo, according to The Sun.
While Moussa Diaby of Bayer Leverkusen is reportedly a target for the north Londoners, Arsenal are also interested in acquiring Chelsea forward Kai Havertz, who is reportedly “very close” to joining.
Romeo Lavia or Moises Caicedo should Arsenal choose to sign?
Lavia was possibly one of Southampton’s few bright spots during a poor Premier League season that saw them drop to the Championship for the first time in 11 years.
The former Manchester City youth product was second only to James Ward-Prowse in terms of the Saints’ engine room alternatives’ average match rating, and similarly, according to WhoScored, he placed second for tackles per game (2.1).
Thomas Partey of Arsenal and Romeo Lavia of Southampton in action
The adolescent star received praise from Independent journalist Benjy Nurick for his “absolute monster” play, and his performance helped him earn his first cap for the Red Devils back in March 2023.
Lavia was a big fan of Spain’s star midfielder Sergio Busquets growing up, and it’s clear to see that when watching him play. The same reporter waxed lyrical on Twitter about his skills as a defensive midfielder, writing: “Always offering himself as an option to the defence, great range of passing, and a devastating turn away from markers with a little drop of his shoulder.”
The powerful 5 foot 11 enforcer would be a smart buy at under £45 million, especially as Brighton is asking for Caicedo for 122% more money (£100 million).
Lavia is not just younger, fitting Arteta’s growth goal, but he also went through a system at City, where the Spaniard worked as Pep Guardiola’s assistant before taking over at the Emirates Stadium.
These elements might in reality make him a superior choice this summer compared to Caicedo.
