Arsenal are said to be in talks to sign Southampton star Romeo Lavia this summer - and they have a 'secret' advantage in their pursuit of the Belgian.
Lavia joined Southampton from Manchester City last summer and has shone through the Saints' season despite their relegation to the Premier League.
The 19-year-old could therefore play in the Premier League next season - but it seems more likely at this stage he will stay in the Premier League.
According to Fabrizio Romano, Arsenal are in talks to sign the Belgium Under-21 international. Although his former club City has a buy-back clause, it only comes into effect in 2024. Advertisement
Southampton are believed to be valuing the midfielder at £50m, an amount Arsenal could attempt to negotiate a club-record price for Declan Rice that was submitted on Tuesday.
And they have a potentially significant advantage in the battle for Lavia's signature.
Lavia reveals Arsenal's secret 'advantage'
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Lavia is represented by football agent Emeka Obasi, whose Elite Football Group represents a number of prominent clients in European football.
They include Manchester United's Jadon Sancho, Borussia Dortmund's Jamie Bynoe-Gittens and Nice's Terem Moffi.
Significantly, however, is the inclusion of Arsenal in his 49-man list. Gunners players Bukayo Saka, Eddie Nketiah and Folarin Balogun are represented by Elite Football Group.
There are also links to former Arsenal stars. Montpellier's Stephy Mavididi, Everton's Alex Iwobi and Middlesbrough's Chuba Akpom are also linked to Obasi.
Given Arsenal's extensive relationship with agents, negotiating personal terms with Lavia could become easier.
Obasi will work with the Gunners chiefs on new deals for Saka and Nketiah - although he is likely to broker Balogun's departure from the Emirates Stadium this summer. Speaking after scoring his first goal for the US team in a 2-0 win over Canada in the CONCACAF Nations League final, Balogun said:
"What I can say is for sure I won't go on loan again.
"I'm not sure [about] the discussions going, I don't know what's going to happen. But I'm just committed to it now, I'm trying to stay current."
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