Romeo Lavia's response to Man Utd interest speaks volumes after Garnacho swap deal talk

Romeo Lavia was at the centre of a swap deal proposal involving Manchester United, Chelsea and Alejandro Garnacho

Romeo Lavia demonstrated his impressive footballing focus when discussing Manchester United’s interest in him. The Chelsea star established himself as one of the best young talents in the Premier League with Southampton during the 2022/23 campaign.

His exploits in the south coast wasn’t enough to keep them from being relegated but it did lead to a £58million move to Stamford Bridge in 2023. The Belgium international was notably courted by Liverpool that same summer but opted to join the Blues.

The likes of Arsenal and the Red Devils were also linked with signing the then-teenager during his time with the Saints and he was even asked to address the interest in him from some of the world’s biggest clubs.

Despite his tender age, Lavia showed just how professional he was in what was his first season of senior football, admitting he was aware of the fleeting attention players receive in football while remaining focused on his job with the Saints. He told Sky Sports: “I don’t read it because I just don’t think about it.

“I just enjoy my football and focus on what we have to do as a club. Whatever is outside, it is not what I can control, so I don’t pay attention to that. Football, with how it goes, it goes so fast. One moment you can be in the headlines and the next, you’re not.

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“So the only thing to do is just be neutral, don’t think about it and get your head down and work.” Lavia’s arrival in west London was seen a huge coup but over two years on, he’s been a major disappointment.

Injuries have decimated his start to life at Chelsea. He has played just 30 games across all competitions since joining the Blues in August of 2023.

He’s currently out of action for a month due to muscle strain, and his inability to remain fit for a consistent period of time reportedly saw Chelsea attempt to part ways with Lavia this past summer.

According to ESPN, while Alejandro Garnacho was signed in a £40m deal from United, the Blues are said to have attempted to include Lavia in a swap deal arrangement for the Argentine. However it was swiftly declined by the Red Devils due to concerns over his fitness.

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Lavia has played just 240 minutes of action this season and even when fit, he’s got the challenge of battling Enzo Fernandez and Moises Caicedo for spots in Enzo Maresca’s midfield.

After a slow start to Garnacho’s Chelsea career, the 21-year-old has three goals and assists in his last three league games. He has started the last five games in the top-flight, with the west Londoners racking up four wins in that time.

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