Birmingham City are reportedly heading for a Championship tug-of-war with Middlesbrough over highly rated Lorient midfielder Arthur Avom.
According to Football League World, the Blues are considering a January move for the 21-year-old, with their promotion rivals also pursuing his signature. His contract situation could give Birmingham an opportunity to recruit a player who has already attracted Premier League interest.
Avom’s current deal expires at the end of the season, leaving Lorient with a decision over his future as the winter window approaches. Without an extension, January would offer the French club a final opportunity to secure a transfer fee before his contract runs out.
The report points to an earlier valuation of around £17.1 million, a substantial obstacle to any Birmingham approach. However, the dwindling time remaining on his deal could give potential buyers grounds to push for a lower price, although there is no indication that Lorient have agreed to reduce their demands.
Avom joined Lorient from Cameroonian side Fauve Azur in 2023 and initially played for their reserves before establishing himself in the first team. He helped them win promotion in 2024/25 and has since gained regular experience in Ligue 1, with nearly 80 senior appearances for the club already behind him.
This season, he has started seven of his ten league appearances, while his international career has brought 17 caps for Cameroon. Football League World describes a midfielder whose strengths include winning possession and carrying the ball forward, qualities that help explain Birmingham’s reported interest.
Chris Davies’ side head into the international break at the top of the Championship after winning six of their last seven matches. From Birmingham’s perspective, a January addition of Avom’s profile could offer help with the immediate promotion push while also providing a younger player to develop over the coming seasons.
Convincing him to make the move would be another matter. Previous reports have linked Leeds United, Everton, Crystal Palace and Sunderland with the midfielder, leaving Birmingham potentially competing with clubs already able to offer Premier League football.
Their league position gives them a case to put forward, but promotion remains an ambition rather than a guarantee. With Middlesbrough also interested, Birmingham’s reported pursuit could depend as much on the player’s preferred next step and Lorient’s asking price as on their willingness to strengthen.
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