Southampton are desperately trying to add quality in the final third before their opening game of the Premier League season against Newcastle United in just under two weeks.
Currently, you could argue that Southampton are going into their top flight return with a weaker attack than they had in the Championship last season which is a real concern for Russell Martin.
Of the eight first-team signings this summer, only Adam Lallana and Ben Brereton Diaz could be considered attacking players.
Lallana is 36 and yet to feature this pre-season after complaining of muscle tightness in the warm-up to the first friendly of the summer against Eastleigh.
With Che Adams and Stuart Armstrong both having left upon the expiration of their Saints contracts and loan duo Ryan Fraser and David Brooks having returned to their parent clubs Southampton look very light in the forward areas.
Martin has made no secret that improving his attacking options is the next priority, but a transfer decision from Chelsea could be a real blow to Southampton’s chances of signing a key target.
- READ MORE: Russell Martin explains what position Southampton want to bolster after Brereton Diaz arrival
Chelsea selling Conor Gallagher could see move for Southampton target Matt O’Riley
Southampton are very keen on bringing Celtic midfielder Matt O’Riley to the club this summer to elevate their midfield options.
With 37 goal contributions in all competitions last season it is easy to see why and Martin hopes that their time together at MK Dons will hand him an advantage in convincing the 23-year-old to make the move to St Mary’s.
The Saints have already had a bid of £14 million plus add-ons rejected by Celtic and are preparing an improved offer, but face competition from the likes of Atalanta and Chelsea for his services.
That interest from Chelsea could now be set to become more concrete as transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has reported that the Stamford Bridge club have sanctioned the sale of Conor Gallagher to Atletico Madrid.
Romano posted on ‘X’: “EXCLUSIVE: Conor Gallagher has verbally agreed terms and said YES to join Atletico Madrid! ‘Here we go’ to follow today after formal steps, five year deal
La Liga’s record fee this summer, €40m to Chelsea.”
This could be a real blow for Southampton as, whilst O’Riley is said to want to move to a club where he will be a central figure, the lure of Chelsea could prove difficult to turn down.
Southampton prepared to consider Matt O’Riley alternatives
If Southampton were to secure the signing of O’Riley it would give their chances of Premier League survival a huge boost going into the new season.
However, there appears to be a contingency plan at St Mary’s.
The Saints are also interested in a move for Liverpool attacker Fabio Carvalho who rejected the chance to join the south coast club on loan in January; instead signing a temporary deal at Hull City.
- READ MORE: Southampton have wanted to sign ‘unbelievable’ target since January, they now face one problem
Southampton have reportedly seen a £15 million verbal offer rejected for the Portugal under-21 international, but the fact they have made a move for Carvalho shows the club are not willing to wait forever to see whether they can sign O’Riley.
Carvalho is versatile but is at his best playing in a similar role to that of O’Riley so it is unlikely that Southampton would look to sign both, showing they are not completely wed to the idea of signing one player in particular to play the advanced midfielder role.
Martin will be hoping that Chelsea consider other targets to replace Gallagher, though, as their financial might could make all the difference in the pursuit of O’Riley.