Club now trying to rush deal to sign £10m Pochettino target in fear of Chelsea hijacking the move

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Chelsea are said to be keeping a close eye on negotiations between Arsenal and Romeo Lavia as the Gunners enter advanced talks.

That is according to Fabrizio Romano.

So, what is the latest on Romeo Lavia and Chelsea? Let’s take a look…

What’s the story?

Well, it was the Guardian who claimed that Mauricio Pochettino wants the Belgium international at Stamford Bridge.

A separate story from Football London stated that Chelsea were also holding talks with Lavia.

Now – however – it appears Arsenal have stepped things up, which could see the Blues do likewise.

Romano believes the north Londoners are making good progress in talks with Lavia’s representatives, but still need to agree a fee with Southampton.

The Saints paid just £10m to sign the Belgian from Manchester City in July 2022.

Belgian journalist Sacha Tavolieri then added that Arsenal are now actually close to agreeing personal terms with Lavia, and are preparing to quickly send a bid through to Southampton in fear of Chelsea hijacking the deal.

Clearly, the Gunners are wary of Chelsea’s presence in the race to sign the 19-year-old.

Chelsea could still pinch Lavia from Arsenal

While Arsenal are making progress in talks to sign Lavia, there is nothing to suggest Chelsea aren’t ready to push their London rivals all the way.

Simon Phillips claimed on Substack that Chelsea are not put off by Southampton’s £50m valuation of the teenager, and are ready to bid as high as that figure in order to sign him – however, the Blues will not go beyond £50m.

Lavia was also supposedly encouraged by Eden Hazard to join Chelsea when asked for advice before the 2022 World Cup, which could swing things in Pochettino’s favour.

Be sure to keep an eye on this situation, as we could end up seeing another Mykhailo Mudryk-style hijack from Chelsea in the coming weeks.