3 positives & negatives of potential Romeo Lavia transfer

The summer window is in full swing, and even though we are only a week into the window officially opening, Arsenal fans are in complete meltdown, desperately clinging to every story, with the latest being Romeo Lavia.

Lavia shone for Southampton alongside James Ward-Prowse last season, despite Southampton finishing bottom and being relegated with games to spare.

One key point on Roméo Lavia: in case
he joins new club this summer, Man City £40m buy back clause would no longer be valid in 2024. City would lose their ‘control’ on the player, only valid until he’s at Southampton. ✨🇧🇪

Man City have percentage on sell-on clause for future. pic.twitter.com/6dkEPFmTqX
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) June 20, 2023

Like any shiny new toy, Lavia has been met with optimism, but there are pros and cons to this deal.

3 positives & negatives of potential Romeo Lavia transfer

1. Age

Arsenal are reportedly now advancing in talks for Southampton midfielder Romeo Lavia.🔴 pic.twitter.com/2JNyGGG4Mb
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) June 20, 2023

Positives:

Lavia turned 19 in January and has 29 Premier League games under his belt, impressing in the majority of those, despite playing in a side that couldn’t defend or attack. With Arsenal, Lavia would be coming into a structured environment with much more technically gifted players who would fast-track his development.

Negatives:

He’s 19 and has just 29 Premier League games under his belt. If he is being brought in to replace either Thomas Partey or Granit Xhaka and play alongside Declan Rice, there are justifiable questions about whether it strengthens or weakens Arsenal’s midfield, which is worrying given the £40-50m quoted fee.

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