The new Premier League season is only a week away and Southampton are yet to indulge in the transfer market. The Saints have only signed Jan Bednarek from Lech Poznan and have mostly refrained themselves from speculations.
Southampton underwent a plethora of changes including the induction of Mauricio Pellegrino as their new manager. Claude Puel was given the sack and Pellegrino has been given the charge to steer the Saints next season. Over the years, Southampton’s expressive approach to the game has somewhat been very encouraging for them as they have gone through rapid changes in the last few years.
But their inability to hold on to their star players has hampered their reputation a bit and they have failed to keep pace with their counterparts. Southampton have been linked with a number of players this summer and according to recent reports, the Saints are monitoring Rachid Ghezzal.
The winger is currently without a club after parting ways with Lyon at the end of the previous season. The French club was very eager to hand the player a brand new contract but the Algerian winger rejected all the advances from the French club and has been in the search of a new challenge.
Southampton manager Pellegrino has been very inactive in the transfer market as it seems he is pretty happy with the current squad depth. The manager has highlighted the urgency to sign at least another player before the summer window closes down and Ghezzal might be a decent choice.
The Algerian international did not have a season to remember as he netted just two goals and racked up four assists in the Ligue 1 last season. Despite his inconsistent form, a clutch of clubs are lining up offers for him this summer.
Monaco have also contacted his entourage and are a step ahead of the remaining clubs in the pursuit of the attacker. The winger broke into the scene in 2012 and since then, has appeared in more than 60 matches for the French side. The number might sound a bit odd as he had to spend up to six months on sidelines after suffering a back injury in the 2013/14 season.
Rachid is capable of playing on either wing and can also operate from the hole just behind the main striker. His quick movement of the ball and his slick passing will be worth adding to the squad.
Southampton currently lacks a fleet footed player like the 25-year-old and Pellegrino has to act fast if he really needs him at the St Mary’s.
