Sources: Chelsea close in on signing Southampton star Romeo Lavia
Chelsea are pushing ahead with their bid to sign Romeo Lavia and he has now jumped to top of their summer signing shortlist, sources have told Football Insider.
The London side have held an interest in him since the summer of 2022 and plan to move before Premier League rivals in an attempt to secure his signature.
Talks have continued between Chelsea and those around the 19-year-old with the aim of being in poll position to complete a deal when the transfer window opens.
Manchester City have a buy back clause, however it is not active until the summer of 2024 and this has prompted interested parties to move now.
Liverpool and Arsenal both have scouted and looked at the Belgium international with him included in their potential targets for the window.
Lavia has been in fine form since his move to St Mary’s and perhaps taken many by surprise with the rate of his progress.
The young talent will move this summer irrespective of whether Southampton survive the relegation scrap or not in a deal expected to be around £45 million.
It has been a calamitous season for The Blues and owner Todd Boehly is under intense criticism for his handling of the club, especially in the transfer market.
They are now looking to rebuild in the hope of a better campaign next term when a new manager will be installed with Mauricio Pochettino the favourite to land the role.
In other news, Chelsea £40m deal collapses at the eleventh hour