Arsenal plotting move for midfielder just days after completing Rice signing

Arsenal reiterated their plans to challenge for the Premier League title next season by signing Declan Rice on Sunday. 

The midfielder is now the most expensive British player of all time after completing a £105 million move to the Gunners from West Ham United.

Last term Mikel Arteta guided his side to a second-placed finish in the Premier League, although the North London outfit had topped the table for several months.

Now, it appears that Arteta is looking to bolster his squad even further, despite signing Rice just two days ago.

According to Football Insider, the Gunners are plotting a move for Southampton midfielder Romeo Lavia.

The Belgian was in fine form for the Saints last term despite their relegation, and he is likely to secure a move back to the top flight this summer.

Lavia, 19, joined Southampton from Manchester City last summer and made 34 appearances across all competitions last term.

Lavia is a target for several clubs including Arsenal, Chelsea and Liverpool

The report claims that Arsenal’s interest in Lavia follows news that Thomas Partey is closing in on a move to Saudi Arabia.

Lavia is said to be a target for several clubs including Liverpool and the Reds are believed to be confident of signing the Belgium youth international.

Despite Liverpool’s confidence, Arsenal are said to be prepared to battle their rivals until the end in the race to sign Lavia.

Fellow Premier League giants Chelsea are also said to be interested in Lavia, who is contracted to his current side until 2027.

The Saints are said to be demanding a fee of £50 million for the midfielder, although Liverpool are reluctant to pay more than £40 million and the proposed move could therefore collapse.

Lavia’s former club Manchester City are believed to be entitled to 20% of any fee that Southampton receive, due to a sell-on clause that was included in the deal to take the player to the south coast last summer.