As Mikel Arteta appears set to strengthen his midfield, Arsenal is currently leading the race to sign Southampton midfielder Romeo Lavia.
What has changed regarding Romeo Lavia and Arsenal?
Arsenal are in prime position to sign Lavia during the transfer window, according to Football Insider, after the youngster verbally committed to playing for the Gunners.
Manchester City does have a buy-back clause that is active next summer, but the report claims they are undecided on acting sooner. He will cost around £50 million, and the north Londoners have jumped ahead of Liverpool, Chelsea, and Manchester United with regard to the move.
Romeo Lavia will join Arsenal, right?
Arteta will be hoping to put Arsenal’s failed Premier League title challenge from last season behind him as the 2023/24 season approaches as it is looking more and more likely that he will move to the Emirates ahead of next season.
Indeed, the Spaniard is close to paying £65 million to acquire Chelsea star Kai Havertz. Given the additional demands of the Champions League next season, expanding his options is a wise move that could certainly pay off.
While Gabriel Jesus is expected to lead the line for Arsenal next season, it is unclear what position the German will play once he joins the club. He was primarily used as a centre-forward during Chelsea’s disappointing campaign, but he could move back slightly deeper, perhaps into an attacking-midfield position.
With the addition of Lavia and the subsequent stabilisation of the midfield, there is the potential for the formation of a crucial partnership that could propel the team to success the following season, with the Belgian’s defensive prowess allowing Havertz the freedom to showcase his artistic abilities.
He was able to control the play well, ranking second in the Southampton squad for tackles made per game (2.1) and having the second-highest pass success rate (86%). The midfielder is also among the top 17% in Europe’s top five leagues for ball recoveries per 90 (7.58), indicating that he is proficient at picking up errant passes and transferring the ball to more inventive players.
With someone like Lavia playing behind him, the German might benefit. Havertz is eager to receive the ball as frequently as possible deep into the opposing half, as evidenced by his rankings in the top 9% for passes received per 90 across Europe’s top five leagues (34.24) and the top 18% for touches in the attacking penalty area per 90 (5.98).
Havertz may be placed in these ideal positions by Lavia’s passing skills, and together they may create a dream team for Arteta. The teen sensation was praised as a “monster” by reporter Benjy Nurick earlier this year, and Arsenal needs to finalise this deal as soon as possible.
