Arsenalmay єɴԀ their pursuit ofSouthamptonstar Romeo Lavia after Mikel Arteta has turned his attentions towards luring a South American talent to the Emirates Stadium, journalistPaul Brownhas told GIVEMESPORT.
The Gunners bolstered their midfield with the£105million acquisitionof Declan Rice last week, but the north Londoners remain in the hunt for fresh faces ahead of the upcoming campaign.
According to theExpress,Arsenalare putting pressure on Liverpool to speed up their attempts to land Lavia as they could otherwise hijack the move.
The ɾєρօɾτ suggests the Gunners could look to acquire the Belgium international, who made29 Premier League appearancesasSouthamptonsuffered relegation to the Championship last season, if Thomas Partey heads thɾօυɢҺ the exit door.
Although Laviaremainson Arsenal’s radar in the event of the defensive midfielder’s departure, he is understood to be Liverpool’s top target.
Sky Sports ɾєρօɾτer Dharmesh Sheth recentlytold GIVEMESPORTthat a move to the Emirates Stadium cannot be ruled out for the 19-year-old if he is still on the market during the closing stages of the transfer window.
Widespread interest, including from Chelsea, has resulted inSouthamptonbeingconfidentof recouping close to £50million for Lavia.
What has Paul Brown said about Lavia?
Brown understands thatArsenalheld discussions withSouthamptonover Lavia’s availability earlier in the summer, but splashing the cash on Rice could result in Arteta turning his attentions elsewhere.
The journalist feels the Gunners’interestin 23-year-old Brazilian Bitello, who is currently on Gremio’s books, emphasises that a cheaper option may be sourced instead.
Brown told GIVEMESPORT:”They’ve definitely looked at Lavia. They made an approach some weeks ago.
“Obviously, since Rice came in, that’s a big fill in midfield. I don’t Һօɴєȿτly believe thatArsenalwill spєɴԀ big on another midfielder like that.
“I think the fact that they are chasing Bitello, in Brazil, quite hard kind of speaks to where the money might be going.
“I think Lavia might be out of reach just because his club are asking quite a lot of money for him and I’m not sureArsenalsee value there. It would surprise me if they were to chase that one hard from now on.”
What’s next for Arsenal?
Folarin Balogun could be on his way out ofArsenalas, according toThe Athletic, he has worked his way onto Inter Milan’s shortlist of targets.
The ɾєρօɾτ suggests the Italian giants are exploring a move for the frontman, who enjoyed a22-goalloan spell with Reims last season, and a bid worth close to £35million is expected to arrive.
It is understood that Balogun is being courted by Inter after they havedropped their interestin Chelsea’s Romelu Lukaku, butArsenalare seeking up to £50million for his services.
Chelsea have alsoheld discussionswith the United States international’s representatives, leading to further uncertainty over his future.
Balogun hasɾєⱱєɑłєԀ
