Southampton's bold stance on Adam Armstrong's future has emerged which can open multiple possibilities to secure new front three targets.
Everyone knows that exit-bound striker Paul Onuachu led Southampton's league scoring charts but the one having the most goals throughout the previous campaign might surprise you. That frontman is Adam Armstrong who didn't surpass the meagre five-goal mark at any club but found the back of the net on six occasions nonetheless.
That relatively good tally coupled with his Championship season heroics may give wings to his St. Mary's stay but there's no guarantee the Saints will become instant high-flyers with him. Further, having a player well within his prime career years and that too fairly under contract can demand a risky call as not everyone leaves with a free agent status like Kyle Walker-Peters.
So, the club's stance has remained a mystery until now but the Daily Echo journalist Alfie House has broken his silence on that matter. In his own words, Saints Extra quoted his comments on BBC Radio Solent: "I think his time at Southampton is probably coming to a natural conclusion. The club are open to selling him."
Armstrong decision resembles with swift Perraud approach
Analysing these comments, it feels like the Romain Perraud-ish crossroads are all over again. He too walked in the door at the same time as Armstrong and was straightaway thrown Premier League duties by Ralph Hassenhuttl.
Did manage to slightly perform better than the centre-forward but an unstable coaching scenario hindered him from remaining a non-negotiable mainstay for longer. Coming to the result, Perraud got his fresh move, Saints recovered a chunk of their investment only because both parties agreed to part ways before the contractual timer went over.
Arguably, Southampton could have opted for a swap deal back then but their best chance might lie with the Armstrong sale. Instead of walking with a near eight-figure fee, the club might consider inviting his boyhood outfit Coventry City to propose a player plus cash exchange for top target Jack Rudoni.
Not to lie, it's a thought for the future but with Southampton speeding up the 28-year-old's departure, a statement addition is indeed possible.