Jurgen Klopp's Liverpool are reportedly stepping up their interest in Southampton starlet and Arsenal target Romeo Lavia as the Reds consider more midfield additions
Southampton's Romeo Lavia could become the latest subject of a Premier League transfer tussle as Liverpool look to rival Arsenal for the player.
The Reds have already one elite midfield signing this summer in the form of World Cup-winner Alexis Mac Allister, who has joined from Brighton for an initial £35million. However, more moves are expected after Naby Keita, James Milner and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain each headed for the Anfield exit.
And transfer guru Fabrizio Romano has reported Jurgen Klopp is ready to steal a march on Arsenal, who have allegedly been working on Lavia's signature for more than a fortnight.
"Understand Liverpool asked conditions of Romeo Lavia deal, they’re in the race," tweeted Romano. "Arsenal, working on this deal for 15 days — no official bid from both clubs yet. Man Utd and Chelsea monitoring the situation but not in active talks yet."
Arsenal's supposed interest in Lavia could suggest the Gunners weren't confident in their pursuit of Declan Rice. Mikel Arteta's side looked like shoo-ins to sign the West Ham star this summer, only for Treble-winners Manchester City to steal in as favourites this past week.
Alternative reports have hinted Arsenal were considering Saints star Lavia in addition to Rice, suggesting it may not have been a one-or-the-other situation. That being said, Liverpool's entry for the former now leaves the Gunners at risk of missing out on both targets.
Despite being only 19 years of age, Lavia has made a major impression at St. Mary's and surged for Southampton despite their relegation to the Championship. In his first season of senior football, the teen talent made 34 appearances across all competitions and played the third-most minutes of any Saints outfielder.
His performances were enough to earn the attention of Belgium boss Domenico Tedesco, who handed Lavia his first senior international call-up (and cap) this past March.
Southampton are understood to have paid Man City around £10.5million for Lavia's signature last summer, but he'll be expected to fetch a lot more this summer. The Saints are saved by the fact their youngster has a contract until 2027, meaning there's less of a panic to sell unless the right offer comes in.
Lavia has quickly built a reputation for his robust defensive abilities on the south coast despite his lack of senior experience. The Brussels-born talent prides himself in breaking up opposition attacks and distributing to more creative talents, of which there are no shortage at Anfield (or the Emirates, for that matter).
Klopp, 56, could make use of those talents given club captain Jordan Henderson and Fabinho appear to have fallen in the estimations of some fans. Academy graduate Stefan Bajcetic is also coming off a long-term injury absence, while Thiago Alcantara's fitness issues are a concern for the club.
Arsenal are a tantalising project after finishing second to City in the Premier League last term, but the chance to join Liverpool's latest rebuild is a tempting prospect of its own.
