According to a well-known Belgian journalist Sacha Tavolieri (allegedly football. london), Chelsea are leading the charge in the chase for Southampton midfielder Romeo Lavia. But they are not the only ones in the chase with United and former club Manchester City, who are also keeping tabs on his situation at St Mary’s following his £14million summer move.
🔴😈🔵 Les clubs les plus pressants au moment T sur le dossier Roméo #lavia song #ManUtd & #chelsea. #Manchester City Reste vigilant si départ cet été au milieu mais reste avantagé grâce à la clause de rachat inclus dans contrat et la relation entre le #DiablesRouges & #Guardiola. pic.twitter.com/rwSyqFa0zR
— Sacha Tavolieri (@sachatavolieri) March 17, 2023
While Skyblues have the advantage repurchase A clause in the teenager’s contract, with the Blues’ longstanding interest making them the front-runners. The spending spree could continue in the coming days thanks to impressive results under Graham Potter after Todd Boehly made nearly every transfer in the past few windows.
The 19-year-old midfield prodigy is the lone bright spot in a Southampton side currently bottom of the Premier League table. A brilliant comeback against Tottenham (they scored two last-minute goals to make it 3-3) might not be enough to maintain their place in the top flight, but English football’s cannons are circling like vultures to ensure Lavia’s services.
The youngster spent his academy years at Anderlecht and Manchester City before breaking into the latter’s senior team in September 2021. He’s only featured in two cup games during the 2021-22 season, but his profile and promise has prompted the Saints to cash in on him early into the season.
Why Chelsea should snap him up in the summer window
The Belgium youth international has received his first first-team call-up under new boss Domenico Tedesco for the upcoming international break. He achieved immediate first-team status under former Southampton boss Ralph Hasenhutt, with his successor Ruben Seles deploying him in the middle of the park on a weekly basis. He has made 24 appearances in all competitions so far and has shown his expertise as a drag playmaker.
Meanwhile, Chelsea must look to overhaul their midfield to restore stability and depth. N’Golo Kante has endured ongoing injury issues throughout the season, while the likes of Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Denis Zakaria have failed to prove their worth in limited opportunities. Mateo Kovacic has had his highs and lows, so the London Giants must inject more firepower into midfield with Enzo Fernandes.
Lavia has a lot going for him in Porter’s brand of football and it remains to be seen whether the Blues will lure the youngster who scored in a 2-1 win over the Saints earlier this season.
