Arsenal are ready to outbid Liverpool for Southampton midfielder Romeo Lavia.

The Belgian youngster is a target for both clubs, with Liverpool readying an opening offer of £40m.

However, they'll stiff competition from Arsenal, which are prepared to go to £50m to land Lavia, says The Times.

Arsenal's move for the Saints midfielder is being performed independently of their deal for West Ham captain Declan Rice.

Rice will arrive this week at Arsenal for a British record £105m.