Fabrizio Romano has claimed to CaughtOffside that Chelsea are going to need to spend more than £40m to sign Romeo Lavia this summer.
The midfielder has shown his class in his first season as a regular Premier League player as he features for Southampton.
The side currently sit bottom of the Premier League, however will look back on two wins against Chelsea this year as real highlights whatever their fate ends up being.
One player who shone on those occasions was Lavia, who even found the net in the first meeting between the sides when Thomas Tuchel was still in charge.
The impression seemed to be big enough for Todd Boehly to launch a late move to sign the youngster last summer, despite him only joining the Saints earlier in the window.
Rumours have not disappeared that the Blues will attempt to sign him at the end of the season, as they look to further strengthen their midfield.
Lavia to cost more than £40m
Romano has claimed that due to a buyback clause held by Manchester City, it is likely that it will take more than £40m to bring him to Stamford Bridge.
He said: “Nothing has changed for Romeo Lavia, at the moment. It’s normal to see big clubs linked because he’s a top talent but there’s nothing concrete at this stage.
“It’s fair to remember that Man City have £40m buy back clause for Lavia, so value has to be higher for sure.”
In just his first season at this level, he has received plenty of praise from those covering the club. He has been described as ‘ridiculous’ by journalist Jacob Tanswell.
Chelsea will be in the market for a player who compliments the skillset of Enzo Fernandez, their record signing, well.
Lavia’s defensive security and calmness with the ball makes him a very good option for the Blues, who are still waiting to see how Andrey Santos will be able to do at the club.
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