By Fraser Fletcher, Transfer Correspondent

23rd Jun, 2023 | 7:00am

Sources: Romeo Lavia reaches verbal agreement to join Arsenal

Arsenal are in pole position to sign Southampton midfielder Romeo Lavia after he verbally agreed to sign for them, Sources have told Football Insider.

The Gunners have jumped ahead of Chelsea, Liverpool, Man United and others in the race for the midfielder, 19, following new talks with the player’s camp.

The Belgium international is expected to leave the Saints this summer after their relegation and a fee of around £50million would be enough to get a deal over the line.

Chelsea had put a lot of groundwork into Lavia having held conversations during last season and were frontrunners for a long period but have paused their interest as they conclude other deals.

Man City also have held interest and have a buy back clause that is active in summer 2024 but it’s understood they are currently undecided on acting sooner.

Man United and Liverpool have also both been keen in previous weeks but their focus has shifted towards other targets, leaving Arsenal in a very strong position to agree a deal with Southampton.

Its expected that The Gunners will make an official approach for Lavia next month as they first look to conclude the club-record signing of Declan Rice.

Mikel Arteta is understood to be a huge fan of the Southampton teenager and has been keen to work with him, requesting the board do all they can to bring him in this summer.

Lavia, who earned his first senior Belgium cap in March, made 35 appearances across all competitions for the Saints in the 2022-23 campaign – notching one goal and one assist.

He played the most Premier League minutes of any teenager last term (2230) – ahead of the likes of Evan Ferguson (952) and Wilfried Gnonto (1353).

In other news, Chelsea now turn attention to third forward summer signing