MF target Arsenal want 19-year-old Belgian prospect from relegated side
English Premier League (EPL) side Arsenal are targeting midfielder Romeo Rabia (19-Southampton).
British media outlet The Guardian broke the news on Sunday (July 17), stating, “Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta wants to sign two midfielders. His top priority is West Ham United captain Declan Rice. The Hammers have rejected Arsenal’s £80 million ($131.2 million) plus offer and are demanding at least £100 million ($164 million). The transfer fee will take a large chunk out of Arteta’s budget. Arsenal’s interest in Rice has been steady. However, interest from other big clubs is also high and the asking price is high. Rabia is a player who could be available for a fraction of the price.
The Guardian reports that ‘Arteta has turned his attention to other players and talks are underway over a move for Rabia’, adding that ‘following Southampton’s relegation to the EPL, Rabia is likely to leave the club. He is valued at £45 million ($73.8 billion). Southampton were relegated after finishing last in the league this season with six wins, seven draws and 25 points. The Saints have been heavily linked with transfers of key players, with Rabia emerging as a target.메이저사이트
Romero Rabia is attracting interest from Arsenal. Getty Images
The Guardian reports that ‘Arsenal are expected to free up space in midfield after Granit Xhaka joined Bayer Leverkusen. Arteta is planning an overhaul of the position as he looks to challenge for the title’ and ‘One of the reasons Arsenal finished second last season, overtaken by Manchester City, was the decline in form of Thomas Partey. Albert Sambi Lokonga (who was one of the options to replace Partey) also failed to establish himself and was loaned to Crystal Palace in January’.
A major shake-up in the midfield is expected. Rabia is a promising youngster who has represented Belgium at age-group level. He even made his senior international debut in March. He made 29 league appearances last season, scoring one goal. He has a lot of potential, but his current contract is set to expire in June 2027, so a move would come at a hefty price.
