Arsenal aiming to beat Chelsea to £45m midfield deal

Arsenal are growing confident of beating Chelsea to the signing of Southampton midfielder Romeo Lavia.

The Gunners are currently in advanced talks to sign Declan Rice from West Ham United in a deal worth £100 million.

As a result, they can't afford a move for Moises Caicedo, and reports claim that they have turned their focus to Lavia.

The Belgian is also on the radar of rivals Chelsea, but The Guardian report that the youngster will end up with Arsenal.

Lavia only signed for the Saints from Manchester City last summer, but he is expected to leave them after their top-flight relegation.

The Saints currently value their midfielder at £45 million, but the Gunners are expected to look for a potential discount.

Lavia was tremendous in his debut Premier League campaign, winning an impressive two tackles and five duels per game.

He also caught the eye with his passing and work rate. He would be a superb acquisition for the Gunners alongside Rice.