August 10, (THEWILL) – Chelsea have launched a bid worth £48 million for Southampton’s in-demand midfielder, Romeo Lavia, sources monitored by THEWILL have confirmed.
The Blues are looking to strengthen their midfield options under manager Mauricio Pochettino and have identified the 19-year-old Lavia as a top target. Chelsea are already in negotiations with Brighton and Hove Albion over midfielder Moises Caicedo. While those talks continue, the club has now also made a formal offer for Lavia.
THEWILL recalls that Chelsea have long held interest in the Belgian prospect, partly due to co-director of recruitment Joe Shields, who brought Lavia to Southampton in 2022. Southampton, who agreed to sell captain James Ward-Prowse to West Ham for £30 million, are holding out for £50 million for Lavia. Chelsea’s £48 million bid falls short of that valuation but remains the highest formal offer Southampton have received this summer.
Liverpool had been frontrunners for Lavia, with three rejected bids up to £45 million. The Saints are confident they will secure their £50 million asking price from one of Lavia’s suitors and will not accept less. The midfielder has emerged as one of the most sought-after young talents in Europe after a breakout debut English Premier League season at St. Mary’s. His suitors are hoping to capitalise on his potential as a box-to-box midfield talent.
Southampton will likely await improved bids from Chelsea or Liverpool before making a decision on Lavia’s future. At just 19 years old, his value is only expected to increase after his impressive first full season in England’s top flight.
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.