Arsenal is in advance transfer negotiations with a Southampton player.

The Gunners have made a tremendous progress in their pursuit of Romeo Lavia.

According to Fabrizio Romano, the Gunners are negotiating a deal with the Saints for the promising midfielder, who want a ‘club-record fee for an under-21 player’ – which currently stands at more than £30 million since Luke Shaw’s departure to Manchester United when he was only 18 years old.

Lavia received several accolades for his achievements in an otherwise disastrous season for the south coast team, which saw them relegated to the Championship.

The 19-year-old joined Southampton last summer in a rumoured £10.5 million move from Manchester City, which included a £40 million buy-back clause that takes effect in the summer of 2024.

Who is interested in Romeo Lavia?

This has resulted in a heated bidding war for his services this summer in order to beat City to the punch next year.

Southampton’s relegation to the second division has only hastened the process, with Arsenal currently leading the pursuit for his signing.

Chelsea, Liverpool, and Manchester United are all said to be interested in the potential kid.

Southampton is said to desire a record amount for the player, with the club’s existing record sale being the £75 million paid by Liverpool for Virgil van Dijk.

Chelsea and Manchester United are still interested in Lavia, although it has been stated that Mason Mount remains the Red Devils’ priority, with Chelsea also interested in a number of prospective midfield targets.

How did Romeo Lavia do at Southampton last season?

The 19-year-old played admirably and matured into his role as the season progressed.

Lavia appeared 29 times in the league as he established himself as a potentially world-class player in senior football.

Arsenal are presently trying to bolster their midfield options after their title bid fell through last season, with Mikel Arteta’s side finishing second by only five points.

Declan Rice has also been linked with a big-money transfer to the Gunners.