- 11 hours ago
‘Absolutely not true’ - Fabrizio Romano on Chelsea transfer rumour
Robin Bairner
- 26 Sept 2024 12:40 BST
- 2 min read
Fabrizio Romano has blown rumours suggesting that Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca is unimpressed with Romeo Lavia out of the water.
There had been high hopes for the Belgium international midfielder coming into this season but the 20-year-old has found himself pushed to the fringes of what is a highly competitive squad.
Lavia started the opening match of the season against Manchester City but suffered a hamstring injury and has failed to make the matchday squad for fixtures against West Ham and Barrow since returning.
STATS
Roméo Lavia
DM, M (C)
Chelsea
Roméo Lavia
DM, M (C)
Chelsea
This has set alarm bells ringing over the future of the youngster, particularly as he only made a single Chelsea appearance last term due to ankle and hamstring problems.
Romano, though, has utterly dismissed claims that Chelsea are considering cashing in on an asset signed for €62 million, who has seen his Estimated Transfer Value (ETV) drop to just €15m off the back of his physical complaints.
“The stories in the press about Romeo Lavia are absolutely not true. Chelsea are very happy with his talent and skills,” Romano told the Daily Briefing.
“Of course he's been unlucky with injuries but Chelsea are supporting Romeo, waiting for him, trusting his talent.
“Spreading negative stories with zero confirmation of that is not the best for the boy, there's nothing in these stories at all.”
Lavia a difficult sell
Like many of Chelsea’s young stars, Lavia finds himself with a long contract at Stamford Bridge and would likely be a tough sell to rival clubs at the type of price that would be acceptable for the Blues.
Although his talent on the field is unquestionable, his constant muscle injuries are a major source of concern and any teams monitoring the midfielder’s progress will be eager to see that he can prove his fitness over a prolonged period of time.
Lavia, meanwhile, faces a battle to get on the pitch with the likes of Moises Caicedo and Enzo Fernandez direct opponents in the Chelsea midfield.
