Southampton: Saints join battle for Brazilian winger
By Marc Walker
Southampton have reportedly registered an interest in Lazio winger Felipe Anderson as they look to add attacking creativity ahead of next season.
According to Football Italia and Tuttosport, Southampton and Leicester City have joined West Ham in a three team tussle for the 25-year-old.
Anderson has been linked with a move to England before and is seen as an exciting potential addition to many sides.
His statistics also back up this point. Eight goals and 10 assists in all competitions during the last campaign saw him prove himself again as an attacking force to be reckoned with in Serie A.
Consistently good seasons since his move to Italy from Brazilian club Santos in 2013 have caught many an admiring glance, and players like him that can play in a number of attacking positions are normally highly sought after.
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A wide midfielder by trade, Anderson can be moved infield to the number 10 position or to either wing to make full use of his ability and skill on the ball.
The Saints are in desperate need for attacking additions this summer after two unsuccessful seasons in front of goal and a rather predictable forward line in that time.
His 1.9 key passes, 3.7 dribbles and 1.4 shots per game (according to whoscored.com) would clearly add a significant and well-rounded threat to the Southampton front-line.
Both Leicester City and West Ham are said to be going toe-to-toe with the Saints for Anderson’s signature. The Hammers may be able to offer more money to the Brazilian but all three clubs would provide high-level Premier League football.
He has found it hard to maintain a place in the Brazilian squad and only has one cap to his name to date. Perhaps pushing into the national team could be a motivation behind a summer move if he feels his time at Lazio should come to an end.
Saints would more than likely have to smash their club transfer record if they truly want to bring Anderson to St Mary’s with a £25m-£30m fee potentially needed to sign him.