According to sources, Chelsea is in talks with Romeo Lavia to persuade him to join this summer along with Mauricio Pochettino.
In order to make a summer raid for the Southampton star, Lavia and the Blues have been in talks for the past two months.
Even though he will still have four years remaining on his Southampton contract, the London club is certain that they can purchase the 19-year-old for £45 million at the end of the current campaign.
In the summer of 2024, Lavia’s £45 million release clause will start to take effect, giving Man City the chance to repurchase their former midfielder from the Saints.
Since the Saints will be unable to demand a higher fee when the clause becomes active next summer, clubs are now using this price as leverage to secure a deal for the young player this year.
Lavia wants to stay in the Premier League because his present team, who is at the bottom of the standings, is in danger of being demoted.
The international from Belgium joined the Saints from Man City in the summer of 2022 on a deal that would last until 2027.
The midfielder has made 30 appearances for the struggling top-flight team since moving to the south coast. In those appearances, he has contributed one assist and one goal.