However, the work of Arteta and the club's technical director, Edu, is far from over, as they face the departure of key players from last season's successful campaign. Granit Xhaka's departure to Bayer Leverkusen, under the tutelage of manager Xabi Alonso, has already been finalized, while Thomas Partey's potential exit looms on the horizon. This situation necessitates the addition of another midfield player alongside Rice to ensure a seamless transition in the heart of Arsenal's midfield.
In light of these circumstances, the name of Romeo Lavia, a promising talent from Southampton, has emerged as a potential target for Arsenal. The 19-year-old midfielder is expected to seek new opportunities following his club's relegation from the Premier League. While Lavia is just one of several midfield options being considered, including the likes of Moises Caicedo and even Real Madrid's Aurélien Tchouaméni, the Belgian international appears to be the most advanced candidate in Arsenal's pursuit.
According to reports from esteemed journalist Graeme Bailey of 90min, Arsenal has engaged in discussions regarding a possible move for the former Manchester City academy graduate. However, it is worth noting that Chelsea and Liverpool have also shown interest in securing Lavia's services, creating a competitive atmosphere surrounding the player's future. Furthermore, Manchester City, Manchester United, and Newcastle United are keeping a close watch on the situation, as Lavia has emerged as one of the most sought-after talents of this summer transfer window. Southampton, the player's current club, reportedly expects a fee of £50 million to part ways with their prized asset.
It is essential to approach Lavia's potential arrival at Arsenal with realistic expectations. The youngster is unlikely to secure a regular starting position immediately, given that he falls short of Rice in most key defensive midfield metrics, as highlighted by FBRef. However, Lavia's strengths lie in his tackling ability, his knack for crucial blocks, and his success in taking on opponents, demonstrating his prowess in shielding the backline, disrupting the opposition's play, and retaining possession in tight situations.
By having Rice assume a more progressive role and support the attack-minded players in the starting lineup, having a true defensive midfielder like Lavia behind him in certain matches would allow the England international to focus on his offensive contributions. Lavia's skill set perfectly aligns with the requirements of such a role, making him an ideal candidate to bolster Arsenal's midfield options.
Praise for Lavia's talents can be found from numerous sources, including his former manager Pep Guardiola, who expressed admiration for the player earlier this year. Guardiola acknowledged Lavia's exceptional qualities but recognized the challenge of providing him with sufficient playing time at Manchester City. Given the stylistic similarities between Arteta's Arsenal and Guardiola's Manchester City, it is unsurprising to see the Gunners displaying interest in a player highly regarded by Arteta's former mentor. Moreover, the attention from other top-six clubs in the Premier League highlights the industry's recognition of Lavia's potential and the impact he could have at a higher level.
As Arsenal continues to navigate the complexities of the transfer market, Romeo Lavia remains a compelling prospect. While his immediate impact may be tempered, the young midfielder possesses qualities that make him an attractive option for the Gunners' midfield, particularly in matches where defensive solidity is crucial. As negotiations unfold and competition intensifies, it will be intriguing to see if Arsenal can secure the services of this highly regarded talent in their quest for success in the forthcoming season.