Journalist Fabrizio Romano claims that Arsenal have identified Southampton’s Romeo Lavia as a potential “replacement” for Thomas Partey.

The Belgian international is a decade younger than the Gunners star but Romano believes manager Mikel Arteta wants the teenager to take Partey’s position in Arsenal’s midfield:

🚨 EXCLUSIVE 🚨

Thomas Partey has concrete chance to leave Arsenal but ONLY if a very good proposal arrives 🔴#AFC rate Romeo Lavia as a potential replacement and have a great relationship with his agents. #CFC interested too, but focus is on Moises Caicedo

Full story 👇👇

— CaughtOffside (@caughtoffside) June 19, 2023

It is a surprising statement to make, considering many had assumed that Declan Rice would be the player who would take Partey’s role.

So how does Lavia compare to the Ghanaian? Press the next page as we compare the two players using their Premier League stats (taken from FBRef) for last season.