Southampton: Islam Slimani is a better option than Carrillo

Today is was reported that not only had Monaco rejected Southampton’s approach for Guido Carrillo, but that the Saints were interested in Leicester’s Islam Slimani.

Sky Sports are those who are reporting the potential transfer, with the Algerian Slimani having failed to settle in Leicester due to limited game time behind Jamie Vardy.

Carrillo meanwhile seemed like a done-deal in the eyes of many Southampton supporters, with a 20 million euro fee believed to have been agreed with Monaco. However, reports suggesting the contrary arose this evening.

The Argentinian forward seemed like a believable deal having played under fellow countryman Mauricio Pellegrino in their native league – but it seems like it’s now off the cards.

Some fans weren’t hugely convinced that the 26-year-old was the right man for the club, especially for a near-record fee depending on add-ons. Although he has been limited to a bench role since moving to France two and a half seasons ago, Carrillo boasts just 43 goals in 184 career league games.

Therefore, whilst age might not be on his side out of the two of them, any possible deal for Slimani would be preferable.

Despite standing at six-foot-three, Carrillo isn’t especially strong, nor is he known for his heading prowess. Slimani has both traits in his locker, and is a more natural target man than the Argentine.

Irregardless of it’s stature in Europe, Slimani has also proved himself with a breakout season in the Portuguese league. In fact, he’s been a consistent goalscorer throughout his entire career.

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Admittedly, the Algerian will turn 30 this year, but Leicester will still demand a £20 million-plus fee for his services, especially to a Premier League rival. Sky are reporting that both Newcastle and Watford are key on the former-Sporting man.

However, Southampton fans should do well to remember Graziano Pelle was the same age when Southampton brought him in the summer of 2014, albeit for a much smaller fee. However, Slimani’s potential valuation is fair for a signing from a fellow PL side, considering how much the market has inflated in recent seasons.

Southampton have some exceptional crossers of the ball among their ranks – James Ward-Prowse, both full-backs, even Dusan Tadic. The issue is, for 18 months they’ve had no one to really aim for in open play.

All three of the Saints’ current forwards have the ability to header, but none of the trio are known for their physicality. Slimani could be the answer to this issue. There might be more viable candidates out there, especially for less money and with age on their side.

However, in comparison to the ‘will he, won’t he’ Guido Carrillo, the Saints should do everything they can to get the Algerian.