Southampton receive big boost in race to sign talented young striker

Southampton have received a big boost in the race to sign talented young striker Randal Kolo Muani from Nantes.

The 22-year-old had reportedly been close to joining Eintracht Frankfurt but that move could now be unlikely. According to a report from L’Equipe (via getfootballnewsfrance.com), Nantes could report Frankfurt to FIFA over their approach for Kolo Muani.

Saints’ interest in Kolo Muani was reported by Foot Mercato back in April and it was suggested that they had been one of the first clubs to make contact with the player’s representatives.

Le10sport.com then added to the picture in June when they confirmed that Nantes were demanding a fee of around €10m for their young star.

Will Southampton sense an opportunity to get the striker they desire?

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Strong rumours in the media have linked Saints with a move for Blackburn Rovers striker Adam Armstrong, with two bids said to have been made already.

A lack of ready competition behind Che Adams and Danny Ings was highlighted at times last season and is especially pertinent now with questions about Ings’ future.

Strikers other than Armstrong have also been linked with Saints, and Kolo Muani is one of those. It will certainly be intriguing to see if Saints enter the mix once again with an ongoing dispute between Nantes and Frankfurt.

Kolo Muani would seem to fit the bill for Saints in recruitment terms. At 22, he has a lot of potential even after a season with 10 goals and nine assists. His fee would also be relatively cheap and could see a significant increase in his value in years to come.

Saints are trying to get back to their past strategy of signing players before they sign their second professional contract, meaning that the cost of a move is cheap and there will be less financial commitment needed by the selling club and the player.