Arsenal could thwart Liverpool’s Romeo Lavia move on one condition

Arsenal could hamper Liverpool’s plan to sign Southampton midfielder Romeo Lavia on one condition.

Over the last few weeks, Liverpool have been linked with a move for Lavia as they look to replace the departed Jordan Henderson and Fabinho.

Last week, it was reported that the Anfield club had a first bid rejected.

On Wednesday, Liverpool tabled a second bid which was also rejected by the Saints.

Although Liverpool remain the front runners for the Belgian’s signature, they could soon face competition from their rivals.

According to The Independent, Arsenal could move for Lavia if Falorin Balogun completes a move to either AC Milan or Inter Milan.

It has been reported that Arsenal would like a fee of around £50 million for Balogun, who scored 22 goals in 39 appearances for French side Stade Reims.

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In a recent interview, Balogun spoke about his future.

He told CBS: “I obviously went away and the aim of me going away was to prove I can play first-team football.

“Obviously, me coming back, I had a good season, I felt I was able to do that and play at that level so coming back, it's not really much of a situation where I think I need to try extra hard to prove something.

“It's a decision that's not with me, it's with the people higher up. I'm sure they'll make that decision and whatever happens, I'm cool with it.”

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He added: “I'm obviously just focused on pre-season with the team.

“I'm really just focused here and of course, my agent and my family are dealing with this.”

Arsenal rounded off their pre-season tour of the United States with a 5-3 victory over Spanish La Liga giants Arsenal.

Mikel Arteta’s men will now take on Monaco on Wednesday evening before playing Manchester City for the FA Community Shield on Sunday.