Liverpool set to battle Arsenal for £50m midfield star

Liverpool are set to offer stiff competition to Arsenal in the race to sign Southampton midfielder Romeo Lavia this summer.

The Belgian youngster had an impressive debut Premier League season with the Saints. He is expected to leave them after their relegation.

He is currently valued at around £50m, and reports claim that Liverpool could go head-to-head with Arsenal to sign the 19-year-old.

The Gunners have already held preliminary talks with the player's agent, who also represents Bukayo Saka and Eddie Nketiah.

However, they are yet to make a bid on the table. They are currently finalising the transfers of Declan Rice and Jurrien Timber.

Meanwhile, a move for Lavia could also depend on what happens with Thomas Partey, who is on the radar of several teams.

Partey is attracting interest from many Saudi clubs while Juventus are also interested in him. He could be shown the exit door.

In that case, the Gunners could step up their interest in signing Lavia. Liverpool could play spoilsport by making an early offer.