Southampton have been boosted by the news that they could sign a summer transfer target for free, making a deal a very attractive proposition.
Russell Martin has already welcomed his Southampton players back for pre-season this month as he attempts to get the squad ready for the Premier League.
Whilst much of that work will be done on the Staplewood training pitch, the need for incomings is not lost on the Southampton boss, with five signings already confirmed this summer.
So far the priority has bee defensive reinforcements, with centre-backs Taylor Harwood-Bellis, Ronnie Edwards and Nathan Wood all signing, as well as left-back Charlie Taylor.
Midfielder Adam Lallana has also joined for free following the expiry of his Brighton contract to add much-needed experience and quality to the ranks.
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After Lallana, Southampton have now been received positive news regarding the potential return of another former player with his club set to let leave for free.
Southampton target Alex Oxlade-Chamberlian set to be available for free
Southampton have been linked with Danny Ings, who spent three seasons at St Mary’s before moving to Aston Villa for £25 million in 2021 in a move that angered Saints fans.
Whilst his return would perhaps not be hugely popular with the Southampton faithful, particularly given his extortionate wage demands, the return of a player who left as a 17-year-old come be more welcome.
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain burst onto the scene as he helped fire the Saints to League One promotion as a 16-year-old before signing for Arsenal for an initial £12 million in summer 2011.
Having spent a number of years in the Premier League at both Arsenal and then Liverpool, Oxlade-Chamberlain spent last season at Turkish side Besiktas but looks set to move again.
Southampton have been linked with a move for the former England international, as well as Sheffield United.
The midfielder is thought to want a return to England and Besiktas now look set to facilitate that.
That is according to Turkish outlet Takvim, who report that the Turkish club are in ‘termination talks’ regarding Oxlade-Chamberlain’s contract in order to facilitate his exit for free.
Should Southampton sign Oxlade-Chamberlain?
It is understandable that Southampton fans may be sceptical about a move for their former player given his injury history and the perception that it is the club shopping in the bargain basement.
However, still only 30, Oxlade-Chamberlain played 30 games in all competitions last season, scoring four and assisting one.
If Southampton could secure his services for free and keep him fit, Martin would have a really talented player to call on who has won both the Premier League and Champions League.
Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp was a huge fan of the midfielder and said upon the player’s exit in 2023: “Ox is a super guy, an absolutely super guy.
“But the one moment that comes in my mind, it describes a little bit the time here but as well how good he is, is the situation in the Roma semi-final, the home game when he got injured. In that moment I had no idea how to replace him, honestly – Ox was that good.
“It was everything: he came here, had played from time to time at wing-back at Arsenal, winger for sure, and he became a proper No.8 here in the way we wanted to play – super-energetic, technically outstanding.”
If Southampton’s interest is genuine, the club will hope Premier League football combined with a nostalgic return will see them beat Sheffield United to his signing.