Deal Close: Arsenal reaching an agreement on personal terms with world class midfielder, who will replace Thomas Partey

Arsenal are on the verge of reaching an agreement on personal terms with Romeo Lavia, according to Sacha Tavolieri.

While an official offer is yet to be made, Arsenal are increasingly confident of landing the midfielder, who is expected to leave St. Mary’s stadium after just one season.

Lavia was a standout performer in an otherwise turbulent season for Southampton where they finished rock-bottom of the Premier League table.

Consequently, the Saints are expected to lose several key stars with James Ward-Prowse and Lavia set to lead a summer exodus.

With Arsenal and Chelsea going head-to-head for his signature in the upcoming transfer window, Lavia looks set to continue plying his trade in the top tier of English football.

Speaking on his future back in March, Lavia was quoted by Manchester Evening News saying: “I don’t read it [transfer rumours] because I just don’t think about it.

“I just enjoy my football and focus on what we have to do as a club. Whatever is outside, it is not what I can control, so I don’t pay attention to that. Football, with how it goes, it goes so fast.

“One moment you can be in the headlines and the next, you are not. So the only thing to do is just be neutral, don’t think about it and get your head down and work.”

With Arsenal now making progress in their pursuit of Laiva, they are set for a revamp in midfield as Declan Rice also closes in on a move to the Emirates Stadium, while Thomas Partey could reportedly follow Granit Xhaka out the door.

In attack, the Gunners are eyeing a move for Kai Havertz having submitted an improved offer for the German international after an opening bid believed to be around £40 million was rejected out of hand.