Chelsea have launched a shock £48 million bid for Southampton midfielder Romeo Lavia, according to a report from Fabrizio Romano. Mauricio Pochettino’s side are hoping to beat Liverpool to the 19-year-old’s signature after Southampton rejected several bids from the Merseyside club.
Chelsea Launch Shock Bid for Romeo Lavia
Southampton Midfielder Targeted by Chelsea and Liverpool
Southampton’s 11-year stay in the Premier League was ended last season after they were relegated with 25 points, six less than 19th-placed Leeds. Despite the club’s incredibly challenging season, Lavia impressed for the Saints and established himself as a top target for the elite clubs in England’s top division.
Liverpool recently made a third offer to purchase the Belgian, which is understood to have been for a total package of around £46 million. The bid was swiftly rejected by Southampton, who value the central midfielder at £50 million.
A recent report from David Ornstein states that Liverpool believes the asking price for Lavia is too high considering the teenager’s lack of experience. The former Manchester City academy player featured in 29 appearances in his debut Premier League season.
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With Jurgen Klopp’s side reluctant to pay the fee demanded for the young prodigy, Chelsea are looking to swoop in to complete a shock move to bring him to Stamford Bridge and are understood to have offered £48 million for his services.
Romeo Lavia Bid Raises Questions Over Other Chelsea Targets
Fans will now be wondering whether the bid from the west London club will affect their pursuit of other high-profile midfielders. Chelsea have been locked in negotiations throughout the summer transfer window with Brighton and Hove Albion over a deal to buy Moises Caicedo.
The Seagulls reportedly want more than the £80 million offered for the Ecuadorian, who is understood to want a move to Pochettino’s side. Whilst Fabrizio Romano has claimed that Caicedo refused to play in Brighton’s friendly against Rayo Vallecano on Sunday, club CEO Paul Barber has stated that the player was sidelined due to a minor hamstring injury.
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Chelsea are also understood to be in talks with Leeds United for midfielder Tyler Adams. The American reportedly has a release clause for £20 million, which was activated upon his club’s relegation to the Championship.
However, following their substantial bid for Lavia, it is now unclear whether Chelsea still intends to complete deals for Adams and Caicedo.
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