Although Lavia is currently under contract with Southampton for another four years, the club faces a challenge in keeping him after their demotion. Liverpool, Chelsea, and Manchester United have also shown interest in Lavia. However, The Guardian claims that there is a growing belief that Arsenal will sign him in the upcoming season as they aim to strengthen their midfield.
Southampton values Lavia at £45 million, but Arsenal, who are also considering a big-money move for Declan Rice from West Ham United, will try to negotiate a lower price. Manchester City included a buyback clause of £40 million in Lavia's contract, but they cannot activate it until the summer of 2024.
While Manchester City is also looking to add midfielders this summer, they are unlikely to wait for the buyback clause and will pursue other targets. Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is reportedly given a budget of £200 million to improve the squad after their surprising challenge for the Premier League title, but a significant portion of that budget may be used to sign Rice. Arsenal's initial bid for Rice was rejected, and West Ham is firm in their demand for at least £100 million.
Arsenal is expected to make an improved bid for Rice, who has expressed a desire to move to the Emirates. However, before completing the deal for Xhaka's departure, the Gunners will wait for a replacement midfielder. Partey is also rumored to be attracting interest from Italian clubs, and Lokonga's performances since joining Arsenal have been unimpressive, leading to speculation about a potential move to Burnley.
