05 July 2023 , 21:32
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Chelsea are considering a move for Southampton star Romeo Lavia as Mauricio Pochettino attempts to strengthen his squad after already losing six midfielders this summer.
Mateo Kovacic, Mason Mount, N'Golo Kante, Ruben Loftus-Cheek have all departed Stamford Bridge on permanent deals as Todd Boehly tries to balance the books after spending £600million since taking over just over a year ago. Meanwhile, Denis Zakaria has returned to Juventus and Tiemoue Bakayoko's contract expired last month.
With Enzo Fernandez, Conor Gallagher and Carney Chukwuemeka the only senior central midfielders at the club right now, Pochettino is set to dip into the market to sign someone in that position. Several players have been linked with a move to the Blues, including Declan Rice and Sergei Milinkovic-Savic.
However, according to Sky Sports, Chelsea are now looking at a potential move for 18-year-old Lavia. The Belgium international made 29 Premier League appearances last season and impressed, despite Southampton's relegation to the Championship.
Lavia has since caught the attention of a number of top-flight clubs, with Liverpool and Arsenal amongst the teams who have been linked with the teenager this summer. Newcastle were also tipped to sign Lavia before they confirmed the signing of defensive midfielder Sandro Tonali from AC Milan.
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But Chelsea are the latest team to have joined the race for Lavia. The ex-Manchester City starlet would suit Pochettino's high pressing, tempo style and is also more than comfortable in possession.
Romeo Lavia has returned to pre-season training with Southampton (Getty Images)Meanwhile, Moises Caicedo is also on Chelsea's radar. Sky report that the Blues are expected to formalise their interest in the Ecuador international. It is thought Chelsea are getting encouragement the player would join if a deal can be agreed between the clubs, with personal terms not expected to be a problem.
The Blues, alongside Arsenal, were interested in Caicedo back in January before Brighton confirmed he would be staying at the Amex Stadium. Caicedo also signed a new contract as he helped the Seagulls finished sixth and qualified for the Europa League for the first time.
But Pochettino could lure Caicedo to Stamford Bridge - a matter of days since he officially started work as the new Chelsea boss. The Argentine replaced interim manager Frank Lampard in the dugout after the Blues finished all the way down in 12th in 2022/23.
Meanwhile, skipper Cesar Azpilicueta is set to agree to terminate his contract a year early to join Atletico Madrid, while Christian Pulisic is heading for AC Milan. There is uncertainty regarding the future of Romelu Lukaku too, with Inter Milan keen to reach an agreement over a permanent switch.