Chelsea's homegrown wonderkid Alfie Gilchrist is the perfect cost-effective signing opportunity for Southampton to bolster their lacklustre defensive unit.
Ever since the Kaine Kesler-Hayden transfer race has widened, Southampton knows that many factors could price them out of the deal even if they went all out on the offer. Simply put, other competitors can complicate the back-and-forth negotiations with Aston Villa.
Furthermore, Cameron Archer's steep decline may caution his former academy mate against joining, if the Saints even reach that discussion stage in the first place. Still, one missed target brings up some unexpected alternatives that prove to be more value for money additions than the previous ones.
Even here, getting let down by an Aston Villa homegrown talent could pave the way for a Chelsea academy graduate to fix the leaky Saints backline. Last week, Southampton were presented with an exciting Blues prodigy, Josh Acheampong who is reliable enough to even become the first name on Still's defensive teamsheet.
But that's a downside too, as the 19-year-old has been thrown at the Club World Cup end suggesting the Saints will need to remain patient for a month before initiating transfer talks.
Gilchrist's rapid progress under Pochettino will entice Saints
Honestly, that seems too big of a wait when a relatively less proven name can be swooped within the budget and without tiresome delays. As pointed out by the Football League World, it's Blues ace Alfie Gilchrist who isn't scheduled for immediate on-field assignments coming his way.
On top of that, Gilchrist rose to first-team football under former Saints boss Mauricio Pochettino so, doubting his starting credentials can be put to bed straightaway. And in case you didn't notice, the 21-year-old has never shied away from climbing the youth ranks at Chelsea, therefore, showcasing a relentless attitude that Saints fans will thrilled to see more of at St. Mary's.
Let's see if these traits align well with Southampton's decision makers, too.