Sources: Chelsea in talks to convince Romeo Lavia to sign alongside Mauricio Pochettino
Chelsea are in talks with Romeo Lavia to convince him to join alongside Mauricio Pochettino this summer, sources have told Football Insider.
Talks between Lavia and the Blues have been ongoing for the last two months as they eye up a summer swoop for the Southampton star.
The London club believe they will be able to land the 19-year-old for £45million at the end of the season, even though he will still have four years left on his Southampton contract.
Lavia’s £45m release clause becomes active in the summer of 2024, when Man City have the option to buy back their former midfielder from the Saints.
Clubs are now using this price as leverage to secure a deal for the youngster this year as the Saints won’t be able to demand a higher fee when the clause becomes active next summer.
On 10 March, Football Insider revealed that Arsenal, Chelsea and Man United are all interested in Lavia, who is set to be in “huge” demand this summer.
Lavia is keen to stay in the Premier League as the threat of relegation looms over his current club who sit rock bottom of the table.
The Belgium international joined the Saints from Man City in summer 2022 on a contract running until 2027.
Since his arrival on the south coast, the midfielder has made 30 appearances for the struggling top flight side and has scored one goal and provided one assist in those outings.
In other news, Chelsea forced to accept lowball offer amid £40m reveal.