Report : Arsenal now ready to move for £50m star after Declan Rice transfer deal is completed as Thomas Partey and Granit xhaka...

Arsenal are ready to make a move for Southampton midfielder Romeo Lavia after securing the signing of West Ham United midfielder Declan Rice, according to The Times.

The Hammers have already accepted the Gunners’ £105 million package for Rice, and talks are currently ongoing over the payment terms. A deal could be finalised this week.

Once that happens, the Gunners are planning to step up their interest in signing Lavia, who had a wonderful debut season in the Premier League with the Saints last term.

Arsenal are not alone in the pursuit of the Belgian starlet. The Gunners face serious competition from Liverpool while Manchester United and Chelsea are also interested in him.

Southampton are willing to sell their prized asset for £50 million this summer.

LAVIA’S ARRIVAL COULD COINCIDE WITH THOMAS PARTEY’S Exit. 

Lavia joined Southampton from Manchester City for £12m. The 19-year-old had a brilliant debut campaign in the English top-flight despite his Saints’ relegation to the Championship.

The Belgian had an impressive passing accuracy of 86 per cent. He won 2.1 tackles and 4.9 duels per game alongside one dribble. Lavia was also brilliant with his work rate over 90 minutes.

At just 19, the midfielder has shown plenty of maturity from a starting position. In our view, Lavia could be considered as a potential replacement for Thomas Partey ahead of next season.

Partey is currently on the radar of several Saudi Arabian clubs as well as Juventus. If Lavia were to join Arsenal, the Ghanaian could most likely make way alongside Granit Xhaka this summer.

Xhaka already has a verbal agreement to sign for Bayer Leverkusen. Fabrizio Romano reports that his return to Bundesliga could become official as soon as Declan Rice arrives at Arsenal.