Russell Martin is still keen to add further additions to his Southampton side despite already making ten first-team signings this summer.
Lesley Ogochukwu and Cameron Archer are the two newest arrivals at St Marys, with Archer making his Southampton debut in the 1-0 loss at Newcastle on Saturday.
They join the likes of Ben Brereton Diaz, Yukinari Sugawara and Nathan Wood as new faces at the Saints with Russell Martin aiming to assemble a side capable of Premier League survival.
A goalkeeper is one position that still needs addressing with the issue only highlighted by Alex McCarthy’s howler against Newcastle a costly start to the campaign.
A winger could still be on the agenda too, with Mateus Fernandes expected to complete a £16 million deal imminently to provide an option in central midfield.
- READ MORE: Who is Mateus Fernandes? The ‘complete’ £16m gem set to become Southampton’s 11th summer signing
Southampton have already missed out to Brentford for one of their attacking targets in Fabio Carvalho this summer and they could now battle Thomas Frank’s side for another player.
Southampton considering move for Sheffield United midfielder Ollie Arblaster
Ugochukwu’s season-long loan from Chelsea gives Southampton a really good option in midfield as the Frenchman can act as an alternative to Flynn Downes or operate as one of the number eights in Martin’s side.
- READ MORE: Flynn Downes delivers honest Southampton dressing room verdict after losing to Newcastle United
Fernandes is a more attack-minded midfielder but showed he can play deeper whilst on loan at Estoril from Sporting Lisbon last campaign.
Despite the anticipated arrival of Fernandes to add to Ogochukwu as a midfield option, Southampton are said to be interested in another young midfielder, but face competition from Brentford and Ipswich Town.
That is according to The Daily Telegraph football reporter Mike McGrath, who posted on X: “Brentford are among clubs who view Ollie Arblaster as a potential signing this window.
“Huge talent at Sheffield United, with Ipswich and Southampton also admirers of the 20-year-old midfielder. Bids not in yet for youngster.”
Do Southampton need Arblaster this summer?
Arblaster is a promising young midfielder and has shown leadership qualities as he was named Sheffield United captain last season despite being just 20.
Given his obvious potential, it is likely the Blades would command a sizeable fee for the England under-20 midfielder who has already scored in the Championship this season.
Whilst he could be a real asset both in the present and future it is difficult to make a case for Martin prioritising a move for Arblaster when there are far more pressing areas of his squad to address.
A goalkeeper at the very least is essential, whilst the wide areas are still very light and the money that would be required to sign Arblaster feels as though it could be far better spent elsewhere this summer.