Southampton are looking to continue their squad building ahead of the Premier League with a move for a 20-year-old Ligue 1 midfielder.
Russell Martin has already welcomed five signings for Southampton this summer, with the focus so far being defensive recruits.
Centre-backs Taylor Harwood-Bellis, Ronnie Edwards and Nathan Wood have all arrived, whilst left-back Charlie Taylor joined for free.
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So far the only attack-minded signing is Adam Lallana, the 36-year-old signing a one-year deal following the expiration of his Brighton contract.
Now, Southampton appear to be targeting another midfield addition, with the club making a bid for a Senegal international.
Southampton make offer for Metz midfielder Lamine Camara
Southampton have so far seen their midfield options weaken from last season with the departure of Stuart Armstrong following the end of his contract and Flynn Downes’ loan ending.
Downes is the number one priority this summer, but a deal is far from guaranteed with West Ham United holding all the cards.
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Now, the Saints are looking to add an exciting young player in the shape of 20-year-old Metz midfielder Lamine Camara.
That is according to French outlet Le 10 Sport, who report that Southampton have ‘submitted a first transfer offer’ for Camara.
The report goes on to state that, whilst the figure offered for the midfielder is unknown, it has been enough to make recently-relegated Metz ‘think’.
Camara compared to former Southampton captain James Ward-Prowse
This is a potential transfer that should have Southampton fans excited.
Despite being just 20, Camara has already amassed 23 senior caps for Senegal, scoring six goals despite often playing as a holding midfielder.
Able to play the holding role, as a box-to-box, or even an attacking midfielder, Camara would be perfect for Martin in the sense he is very flexible.
Compared to none other than N’golo Kante for his endless energy, Camara is a rising star having won the Under-20 African Cup of Nations Player of the Tournament in 2023, as well as the Ligue 1 Young Player of the Season in 2024.
The midfielder also won the Goal of the Season award in France last campaign for a remarkable strike from his own half against Monaco.
Perhaps most excitingly, though, is that Camara’s free-kick ability has seen him compared to former Saints skipper James Ward-Prowse; the West Ham man just one free-kick goal off of David Beckham’s Premier League record.
Sport News Africa describe Camara as a ‘fearsome free-kick shooter’, before comparing both his ability and technique to that of Ward-Prowse.
All the signs are that Camara is a player destined for the very top and Southampton could well be part of that journey if they sign the Senegal man this summer.