Chelsea eye Premier League wonderkid as Kante successor

Karan Tejwani

• Updated: 23 May 2023 09:00 CDT
• 4 min read

Chelsea are targeting a move for Southampton’s young midfield star Romeo Lavia to act as their successor to N’Golo Kante, who is in the final months of his contract at Stamford Bridge.

Kante has been at Chelsea since 2016 but recent times have been blighted by injury and it’s unclear whether he will extend his deal with the Blues in the coming months.

There have been discussions in the past, but it’s believed that the two parties are still far from an agreement and he may just leave the club in the near future.

READ: Romeo Lavia to Chelsea or Man City? The state of play

As a result, Chelsea are looking at options for the future and Southampton’s Lavia is one option for them, with the club keen to build for the long run.

Chelsea want Lavia

Midfield is one area Chelsea will be desperate to improve in the coming months as Jorginho is also approaching the end of his contract at the club and could well leave like Kante.

Therefore, signing someone like Lavia makes perfect sense and he fits their transfer strategy as well: they are interested in younger talents in recent times and the Belgian fits the bill.

READ: Time for Chelsea to let Kante go as Juventus and Inter hover

Lavia has impressed in his little time at Southampton having signed from Manchester City earlier in the year and Chelsea were even keen on bringing him to the club in the summer despite that.

It was reported that they were willing to pay up to €50 million for his services despite having rarely played in senior football, and may have to fork out a similar sum if they move for him last year.

It’s reported by Belgian journalist Sacha Tavolieri that Lavia is “in the sights” of Chelsea and a move for him is a realistic option; the story is “to be continued”.

Lavia is contracted to Southampton until the summer of 2027 so there is no rush to sell him and it puts the Saints in a good negotiating position.