Arsenal will make a move for Southampton midfielder Romeo Lavia if they sell Thomas Partey, according to journalist Sacha Tavolieri.

The Belgian reporter says there could be an “epic fight” with rival Premier League teams for the 19-year-old’s signature before the transfer window closes:

“Be caution to the come back of Arsenal on the Romeo Lavia’s case when Thomas Partey transfer to Saudi Arabia will be completed. He’s the main option but not the only one and they will not hesitate and actually have several advantages on their hands that could switch the balance into the deal of the Belgian midfielder this summer… Epic fight incoming.”

The Gunners’ main competitors are expected to be Liverpool. The Reds are considering replacements for Fabinho and Jordan Henderson who could also be leaving for Saudi Arabia.

Both Chelsea and Manchester United are known to be fans of Lavia as well, but the two clubs are currently focused on other targets.

Arsenal will have to spend big again to sign Lavia

Southampton’s asking price for the Belgian international is believed to be £50m, which seems like a very high fee for a teenager, but there is a reason why the Championship club are demanding so much.

Lavia’s previous team Manchester City will get 20% of the fee and, if he stays on the south coast until next summer, they have an option to buy him back for £40m.

Sales will be needed first

It’s likely that Arsenal will need to recoup, at least, some money to finance a move for Lavia as their spending has already hit £200m, following the arrivals of Kai Havertz, Jurrien Timber and Declan Rice.

However, If Liverpool make an offer to sign Lavia soon, the Gunners may not be able to respond so, for that reason, getting Partey off the books as quickly as possible is vital.

It has been reported that the Ghanaian has agreed personal terms with a team in Saudi Arabia, although that hasn’t been substantiated by sources in the UK or Europe.

It was originally believed that Partey wanted to stay in Europe, with Juventus a potential destination, but money does talk. If Arsenal do manage to get a decent fee for the 30-year-old in very short order, that could then be reinvested in Lavia. For now, it is a waiting game, and the Gunners will be hoping that the Belgian is not snapped up by someone else in the meantime.