Chelsea are expected to step up their attempts to sign Southampton midfielder Romeo Lavia, according to The Independent‘s Chief Football Writer Miguel Delaney.

Writing in the ‘Reading the Game’ newsletter, the journalist said that the Blues are “now seriously involved” in the race for the Belgian international who, up until recently, looked to be heading to Arsenal:

“While he had been seen as likely going to Arsenal, and probably joining Declan Rice, Chelsea are now seriously involved. That is a story we’ve seen before. Of concern for Arsenal is that Lavia has a strong relationship with Joe Shields, who recently left Southampton for Chelsea, but initially brought Lavia to the south coast.”

Lavia was being eyed by the Gunners as a potential replacement for Thomas Partey, who is set to be sold this summer, but it looks as if Chelsea are prepared to battle their London rivals for the teenager’s signature.

The midfielder won’t come cheap, though, with reports suggesting that Southampton could hold out for as much as £50m.

Funds being freed up as Chelsea plan further signings

The first goal for the summer transfer window was to balance the books. The impending departures of Kai Havertz, Mateo Kovacic, N’Golo Kante, Hakim Ziyech, Kalidou Koulibaly, Edouard Mendy and potentially Mason Mount means that the Blues have made significant progress on that front.

Consequently, we may soon see a number of bids for incoming transfers. In addition to Lavia, the club are said to be making good progress in trying to snap up Moises Caicedo from Brighton. Villarreal’s Nicolas Jackson’s move to Stamford Bridge is also close to being finalised.

Signing a new number-one goalkeeper is another one of Chelsea’s priorities. However, a bid for Inter Milan’s Andre Onana has been ruled out, with Manchester United now favourites for the Cameroon international.