Football News: Chelsea confirms signing of Southampton midfielder Romeo Lavia

Chelsea have announced the signing of Southampton midfielder Romeo Lavia to a long-term contract.

With a slew of midfielders leaving Stamford Bridge during the summer transfer window, head coach Mauricio Pochettino has been looking to add to his squad.

Chelsea's business over the past week suggests that Enzo Fernandez and Conor Gallagher's pairing against Liverpool last Saturday may be a short-lived one.

Chelsea have revealed that Lavia is the latest addition in West London, only days after Moises Caicedo departed Brighton & Hove Albion for the Blues in a British-record transfer deal.

Chelsea have not disclosed a transfer fee, but journalist Fabrizio Romano says that Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital are paying Southampton £58 million.

Speaking to the club's official website, the 19-year-old said:

"I'm really happy join Chelsea and be a part of this exciting project. It's an amazing football club with a great history and I'm really excited to get started."

"I can't wait to meet all my new teammates and build a chemistry together to achieve great things together."

Lavia has been given the number 45 shirt at Chelsea, which he wore during his one and only season in Southampton's colours.

Southampton agreed to pay Manchester City £14 million in add-ons last summer, with the understanding that Lavia would remain a fringe member of the senior squad.

Lavia, on the other hand, went on to make 26 Premier League starts and three substitute appearances, earning him a debut with the Belgian national side.

Despite his long-term deal with the Saints, an exit was always on the cards this summer due to Man City having a £40 million buy-back clause that may be activated in 2024.

Lavia posted to social media just minutes before his deal to Chelsea was official to express his appreciation to Southampton fans.

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