ARSENAL are reportedly advancing in talks to sign Southampton star Romeo Lavia.
But their bid could be derailed by a special clause belonging to rivals Manchester City.
Lavia, 19, left the Treble winners for Saints last summer in a £12.5million transfer.
And despite their relegation to the Championship, he had a fine season with 34 appearances in all competitions.
Lavia has since been linked with a move to Mauricio Pochettino’s Chelsea in a deal worth over £50m.
Premier League odds and betting tips
But Fabrizio Romano claims Arsenal are now leading the race as they also close in on West Ham star Declan Rice.
He says the Gunners are making good progress in talks with both Southampton and Lavia’s representatives.
Chelsea are keeping a “close eye” on proceedings, while Man United are also “interested.”
But Arsenal are leading the charge as Southampton “hope” to land a record fee for their star man.
However, Lavia’s former club City could yet spoil the party.
FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS - BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS
They have a buyback clause of £40million that becomes active next year.
And should Pep Guardiola decide he wants Lavia back, it could throw a spanner in the works for Arsenal’s move this summer.
Even if City do miss out, they are still entitled to a tasty chunk of the fee Saints will receive for Lavia.
And that will help them fund moves for other players as they look to win a fourth Premier League title in a row.
World Cup hero wants Man Utd move as doubts over Harry Maguire's future grow
ARSENAL TRANSFER NEWS LIVE: Stay up to date with all the latest transfer news and rumours from the Emirates