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Arsenal plan to ‘make second midfield signing’ after Rice

By Ritayan Chatterjee on July 10, 2023

Arsenal are reportedly looking to ‘make a second midfield signing’ after securing a deal for Declan Rice, as per the Daily Express journalist Ryan Taylor.

Despite enjoying a brilliant campaign for the majority of last term, the Gunners failed to keep their momentum going following Thomas Partey’s dip in form. So, Mikel Arteta has seemingly prioritised revamping the engine room this summer.

The North London club have already decided to sell Granit Xhaka to Bayer Leverkusen after agreeing on a deal in principle with West Ham United to sign Declan Rice.

Now, speaking to GiveMeSport, Taylor has suggested that Arsenal are expected to sell Partey as well and are planning to ‘make a second midfield signing’ to replace the African.

The journalist further claims that Romeo Lavia has emerged as a serious target but, Southampton’s £45m price is a huge stumbling block for Arteta’s side in getting any potential deal done for the Belgian as Arsenal don’t want to match that figure. So, it is going to be interesting to see whether the North London club eventually manage to persuade the Saints to lower their valuation or shift focus to alternative options.

Reinforcements

However, Taylor suggests that Arsenal are set to face fierce competition from Liverpool to acquire Lavia’s service as the Merseyside club are also keen on signing the midfielder this summer.

Taylor said:

“As we know, Liverpool were there as well and again, my understanding of Lavia is the price tag needs to drop. I don’t think any of those parties are prepared to pay £45-50 million for him, particularly after Southampton’s relegation. So I do believe Arsenal will make a second midfield signing and I do also expect Thomas Partey to make way.”

Lavia is a deep-lying midfielder but can also play the box-to-box role. He is dynamic, technically gifted, can play threading passes between the lines, has an eye for long-range passing and can contribute defensively as well.

The 19-year-old is an extremely talented player and possesses the potential to become a world-class player going forward. So, he would be a solid signing for Arsenal should they manage to secure his signature in this transfer window.