Russell Martin will be desperate to add another striker to his Southampton squad ahead of Friday night’s 11pm transfer deadline.
Of Southampton‘s 11 first-team signings so far, only two have been attackers.
These are Ben Brereton Diaz and Cameron Archer, with both players ending last season at relegated Sheffield United.
Brereton Diaz has started both of Southampton’s first two games of the Premier League season, whilst Archer has been introduced off the bench in the defeats to Newcastle United and Nottingham Forest.
Russell Martin is yet to see his team score a goal this season and Archer should get the opportunity to show he is capable of doing just that against Cardiff City in Wednesday night’s Carabao Cup clash.
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However, Southampton still need more firepower and that search has seemingly taken the club to South America.
Southampton in negotiations to sign Corinthians striker Yuri Alberto
More specifically, it has taken the Saints to Brazil as the club look to secure a late move for Corinthians centre-forward Yuri Alberto.
That is according to Fabrizio Romano, who told Give Me Sport: “For Yuri Alberto, they [Southampton] made a new proposal yesterday. So there is a negotiation ongoing with Corinthians.
“He’s a really important player for Corinthians, so this is why the deal is not easy, but the negotiation is ongoing.
“So Yuri Alberto could be the surprising signing.”
Reports suggest that proposals consisted of a £2.5 million loan fee with an option to buy for £15 million at the end of the season.
Southampton would be signing a real talent if they capture Alberto
Concerns about Alberto’s ability to transfer his talents to the Premier League are understandable given many players have struggled to adapt when making the move to England from South America.
However, if Alberto settles in well then Southampton could have a real gem on their hands should they get a deal over the line before the transfer window closes late on Friday night.
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Still only 23, Alberto was linked with a move to Arsenal three seasons ago and was tipped for a big future by his manager at Internacional after a hat-trick in a 4-0 win over Flamengo in 2021.
Manager Diego Aguirre said: “He is a spectacular boy, a player with a lot of future.
“They are normal things. Yuri had been charged for not scoring. But we have to remember that it’s a boy, he’s only 20 years old. There is a lot of pressure and responsibility on his back.
“When he got these three goals, I said he deserved it and that it had to be the beginning of many goals”.
The Brazilian top flight runs to a different calendar than Europe, but Alberto has 17 goals and three assists in 38 games for Corinthians in the current campaign.
An exciting talent with an eye for goal, the striker has also earned a Brazil cap and will hope to add many more before his career is over.