Chelsea submits their first formal bid to Southampton for Romeo Lavia
Nineteen-year-old Romeo Lavia, who still has four years remaining on his contract with Southampton, has been valued at £50 million for a potential transfer.
Despite spending just one season with the Saints, the Belgian national is eager to make a move, especially given the club’s relegation to the Championship.
Initially, Liverpool appeared to be the frontrunners in the pursuit, despite having three offers rejected. However, Chelsea entered the competition with an offer of £48 million for the midfielder as per Fabrizio Romano. This amount is quite close to the asking price and even surpasses Liverpool’s most recent bid of £45 million, which had also been turned down.
Liverpool’s proposals for Lavia in efforts to revive their midfield
The Reds had presented three unsuccessful offers for the midfielder during the summer transfer window. The declined bids were valued at £34 million, £40 million, and £42 million, respectively, before reaching the elevated sum of £45 million.
Liverpool is actively bolstering their midfield in response to the void left by the departures of James Milner, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Fabinho, Naby Keita, and their former captain, Jordan Henderson, over the course of this summer. Their efforts appear to be paying off as they have successfully acquired Alexis Mac Allister from Brighton and secured Dominik Szoboszlai from RB Leipzig.
Chelsea and Liverpool’s battle for Lavia and Caicedo
With both teams placing bids for the players, it was understood that Chelsea was determined to pursue Caicedo, while Liverpool remained focused on Lavia. However, it should be noted that Chelsea’s recent bid, doesn’t necessarily indicate that they have abandoned their pursuit of the Brighton player, who still appears keen on making his move to the Bridge.
The transfer window remains open until the end of the month, enabling the ongoing battle for the defensive midfielder. However, it’s evident that neither club will hold an advantage as they approach their opening game of the season, in which they are set to face each other.