Chelsea have “submitted a contract proposal” to Southampton midfielder Romeo Lavia, according to Foot Mercato reporter Santi Aouna.

The French journalist claims that, while the Blues have not tabled a formal bid for the Belgian international yet, they have been negotiating personal terms:

🚨🔴⚪️🇧🇪 #Championship |

◉ Chelsea have submitted a contract proposal to Romeo Lavia.

◉ Liverpool have met his entourage on several occasions in recent weeks.

◉ Southampton have not yet received an official offer. pic.twitter.com/y0zQMOOvMj

— Santi Aouna (@Santi_J_FM) July 3, 2023

Joe Shields, Chelsea’s co-Director of Recruitment and Talent, has worked with Lavia at both Manchester City and Southampton, so he is likely the one pushing the club to sign the teenager.

From the sound of things, the Blues have stepped up their interest, although there is no certainty that the player will end up at Stamford Bridge at this stage.

Chelsea will have rivals for Lavia’s signature

As Aouna mentions, Liverpool are thought to be keen on signing the 19-year-old, although his £45m to £50m asking price is a stumbling block for the Reds.

Arsenal are also reportedly weighing up an approach for Lavia, although it is felt that the Gunners may only make their move later in the summer once they have offloaded both Granit Xhaka and Thomas Partey.

Manchester United have been credited with an interest as well, but they are prioritising reinforcements in other positions.

Lavia is not the number one target

Even though the Belgian is clearly on Chelsea’s radar, Mauricio Pochettino’s side are currently focused on recruiting Moises Caicedo from Brighton.

The Blues do actually need more than one midfielder, considering that the likes of N’Golo Kante, Mateo Kovacic and Ruben Loftus-Cheek have all left, so a move for Lavia is still on the cards, but the club are said to be keen on getting a deal done for Caicedo first.