"Southampton are said to be “in advanced talks” with Blackburn Rovers of the potential signing of striker Adam Armstrong."
Football transfer insider Pedro Almeida claims that a deal is close to being struck for fee equivalent to £21.1m, whilst an exclusive from Football League World revealed that Saints were closing in on the signing of Armstrong.
Saints will be keen to add a top target to their strikeforce after selling star man Danny Ings to Aston Villa for around £30m on Wednesday evening.
Armstrong has a very strong scoring record in the Championship and could get the chance to test his skills in the top-flight soon.
Adam #Armstrong from Blackburn to Southampton on a permanent deal for around 25M€. Advanced contacts between two clubs. 🔴 #Saints
— Pedro Almeida (@pedrogva6) August 4, 2021
Southampton adding an Ings type player to their ranks with Armstrong
More from Saints Marching
- Grading the Southampton Transfer Window Part 2: Arrivals
- Grading the Southampton Transfer Window Part 1: Departures
- It’s time to talk about Gavin Bazunu
- Rain clouds on the horizon? Southampton beat Plymouth Argyle
- A lament for Southampton legend James Ward-Prowse
If a deal is close to being struck between Saints and Blackburn, a player very similar to Danny Ings will be arriving on the South Coast.
Armstrong is shorter than Ings and is a lot more two-footed than the departing Saints man, but both operate on the shoulder of defenders and use clever movement in the penalty area to create chances for themselves.
Premier League level will be a challenge for Armstrong but Saints look to have seen clear qualities in him that they think will serve him well in the top-flight.
It has been clear for a while that Saints have wanted to add 24-year-old Armstrong to their squad and the fee was always going to be a high one when a breakthrough in negotiations was found.
Blackburn will be wanting a good amount of money to reinvest in their own squad and Newcastle hold a 40% sell-on clause that means they will benefit from a potential sale to Saints too.
Saints have Che Adams, Nathan Tella, Michael Obafemi and Shane Long as their current striker options and Armstrong may have to work hard to ensure he holds a starting place. Many Saints players look ready for the upcoming season after some good team performances in pre-season.