Southampton are set to be presented with an offer for Carlos Alcaraz that will hardly be worth consideration for owners Sport Republic.
Russell Martin will be keen to concentrate on incomings at Southampton in the days that remain between now and the end of the transfer window on August 30.
However, he may not have that luxury as the club are in a position where they would greatly benefit from flogging players that do not have a future at the club.
Armel Bella-Kotchap and Paul Onuachu are two players who fit firmly into that category.
Bella-Kotchap spent last season on loan at PSV and has frustratingly now seen a £12.8 million move to Hoffenheim fall through, whilst the Saints are yet to receive a suitable offer for Onuachu despite Trabzonspor interest.
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One player Southampton are seemingly undecided on selling is Carlos Alcaraz, with the youngster impressing in pre-season following an unsuccessful six-month loan at Juventus.
Lazio eye deal for Southampton midfielder Carlos Alcaraz
It was against Lazio in pre-season that Alcaraz – affectionately nicknamed ‘Charly’ – really showed Martin what he can offer.
However, having been the standout performer in the 1-1 draw, the Argentinian was sent off following an altercation with a number of Lazio players that also saw Alessio Romagnoli given his marching orders.
- READ MORE: Russell Martin gives verdict on Charly Alcaraz red card in Southampton draw in Lazio friendly
That incident does not look to have deterred the Italian club in pursuing a move for the 21-year-old, though.
As reported by Gazzetta dello Sport via Sport Witness, Lazio look set to revive their interest in a move for Alcaraz after being linked earlier in the summer.
According to Sport Witness: ‘Talks for other options have stalled, and so attention has turned back to the 21-year-old Southampton player’.
Alcaraz’s versatility is considered attractive by the Rome club, with Lazio ‘ready to offer’ a loan with a mandatory purchase clause of €10-12 million (£8.5-£10.2m).
Southampton should reject insulting Alcaraz offer
Southampton signed Alcaraz from Racing Club in January 2023, paying £12 million for a player they had identified as having enormous potential.
In truth, the enigmatic attacking midfielder was one of the few bright sparks in the second half of the 2022/23 season in which the Saints were relegated from the Premier League.
However, after finding himself out of favour under Martin last season, Alcaraz secured a surprise loan move to Juventus in January with a £42 million option to buy included in the deal.
Juve opted against activating that clause this summer after Alcaraz struggled to make an impact in Turin, but for Lazio to offer over £30 million less than that figure seems an insulting offer.
Martin is happy to keep Alcaraz – who he dubbed “outstanding” last season – at the club for the season but Sport Republic are open to suitable offers for the young talent.
This forthcoming offer from Lazio will surely not be placed in the ‘suitable’ category, with the expected bid less than Southampton paid for Alcaraz 18 months ago.