Southampton reportedly don’t want to sell Romeo Lavia to Chelsea.
Romeo Lavia, who’s just 19, is a young midfielder starting regularly for Southampton this season in the Premier League.
The former Manchester City youngster is standing out during his first full debut campaign at first-team level, which is why he’s already linked with a potential move away from St Mary’s.
His Saints team is in the thick of a relegation battle this year in the league, but it would be hard to picture him in the Championship next season if they go down.
According to journalist Ben Jacobs on Simon Phillips’ Substack, Southampton want to make sure they keep Lavia next season.
It is understood that Chelsea and Arsenal could have an opportunity to make their move for the teenager because Manchester City’s £40million buy-back clause doesn’t become active until 2024.
Apparently, Southampton don’t want to sell the Belgian youngster to Chelsea, who stole recruitment expert Joe Shields from them last year.
Jacobs claims that it would take a “phenomenal offer” from Todd Boehly’s Chelsea to bring Lavia to Stamford Bridge.
Southampton currently value their prized asset at over £55million, too.
Journalist Sacha Tavolieri said on Twitter earlier this month that Chelsea have recently held conversations with Lavia’s agents about a potential move to Stamford Bridge.
The aggressive defensive midfielder looks destined to play for a big club in the future, but is he ready for that step next season?
For Chelsea, they’re looking a lot stronger in the centre of the park thanks to January recruit Enzo Fernandez. You could make a strong case for suggesting the Blues need another midfield signing this summer, though.
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