Chelsea launch new £48m WONDERKID bid

Robin Bairner

10 Aug 2023 06:47 BST
3 min read

Mauricio Pochettino, Chelsea, 2023/24 — © ProShots

Chelsea have launched a superior bid to Liverpool in the race to sign Southampton midfielder Romeo Lavia, Fabrizio Romano reports.

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Belgium international Lavia has fallen under the gaze of both Premier League sides this summer as they look for long-term reinforcements in the centre of the park, with his strong performances for Saints as they were relegated last term enough to persuade them that he could offer a long-term solution.

Negotiating with the Championship side, though, has proven to be testing, with Southampton sticking to their £50 million asking price for the player.

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According to football transfer news expert Romano, Chelsea have got very close to that figure with a £48m offer.

Previously, Liverpool had bid £45m for the player earlier this week.

It is unknown yet whether Southampton will accept Chelsea’s latest bid for the 19-year-old, who still has four years to run on his contract at St Mary’s.

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Man City’s three Lavia clauses

If no deal is done, Manchester City will seriously come into the equation next summer. The Premier League champions have reportedly been considering a move for Lavia but in 2024 they have a buy-back clause on their former academy player that activates for £40m.

In the meantime, City will be given the chance to match any accepted bid for Lavia this summer, which means that they will formally have the opportunity to pinch the promising youngster back for whatever fee Southampton accept.

Even if Pep Guardiola’s side do not opt to trigger that second clause in his contract, they will stand land a 20% windfall from any deal, meaning that they stand to earn just under £10m if Chelsea’s bid for Lavia is accepted.

The Blues currently stand as favourites to land Lavia but as their bid does not reach Southampton’s asking price, the door is still open for Liverpool to make a late transfer bid for the up-and-coming star.