Despite the transfer window being set to slam shut on Friday night, Southampton are still looking to complete a number of deals before the summer’s business is done.
Any fears Russell Martin may have had about whether Southampton had enough to stay in the Premier League this season have been exacerbated by the fact the Saints have lost both games so far without scoring a goal.
A goalkeeper has been high on the agenda all summer and Alex McCarthy’s continued troubles with the ball at his feet mean the fact a deal for Feyenoord goalkeeper Justin Bijlow fell through at the last minute due to a failed medical is very unwelcome.
As well as a new first-choice stopper, Southampton need more firepower and creativity in the final third and are pursuing all options in the remaining days of the transfer window.
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The good news for Saints fans is that the club are pushing to sign two players in order to help them address both issues.
Southampton ‘weighing up’ Maxwel Cornet move alongside Aaron Ramsdale
Arsenal back-up goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale has been linked with a move to St Mary’s all summer and this now looks increasingly likely with the Bijlow deal falling through and Wolves pulling out the Ramsdale race.
Southampton look set for a frantic end to the transfer window and could also now pursue a late move for West Ham attacker Maxwel Cornet.
That is according to The Daily Telegraph reporter Mike McGrath, who has posted on X: “Southampton are looking at late deals with Aaron Ramsdale wanted and weighing up move for West Ham forward Maxwel Cornet.”
Both deals would likely be a loan, with Arsenal unlikely to receive the fee they want to sanction Ramsdale’s sale this summer and Cornet having three years left on his West Ham contract.
Cornet could add flair to blunt Southampton attack
Not only have Southampton not yet scored this season, against Nottingham Forest at home on Saturday Martin watched on frustrated as his side managed just one shot on target.
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A creative spark is desperately needed and Cornet is a player capable of providing just that, so long as he can stay fit after an injury-ravaged time at the Hammers.
Cornet impressed none other than Pep Guardiola as he scored a brace in a 2-2 draw against Manchester City in the Champions League group stages whilst playing for Lyon in 2018.
Guardiola said after the game: “I was very impressed by the talent of Maxwel Cornet.
“There is a lot of talent in France. I love to play in the Champions League because there is a very high quality everywhere in the players and coaches.”
He has not been alone in his praise of the Ivory Coast international, with Owen Hargreaves equally impressed following his move to Burnley in 2021 whilst win punditry duty for TNT Sports, saying: “He is a fabulous goalscorer and probably one of the signings of the season so far.”
“At £12 million, it feels like a snip. He gives them something different, he can be direct, can play on the shoulder and is a fabulous finisher, probably better than anyone anticipated and he has been terrific for Sean Dyche.”
That versatility would continue the theme of Southampton’s recruitment, with a number of the players signed capable of playing in multiple positions.
Cornet scored nine goals and provided two assists in his 28 games at Burnley and Martin will hope he can rediscover this kind of form should he arrive at St Mary’s.