Southampton is prioritizing both a new striker and completing negotiations for Rangers midfielder Joe Aribo after he agreed to sign Romeo Lavia from Manchester City.
For what is their first transfer window under a new ownership and recruitment structure, Southampton have already been active this summer, recruiting goalkeepers Gavin Bazunu and Mateusz Lis, as well as defender Armel Bella-Kochap, before bolstering their midfield.
The deal with Lavia could cost as much as £15million, with Southampton continuing the policy that saw them sign Tino Livramento last year by locating emerging talent from the academies of leading clubs where first-team opportunities may be limited.
Lavia is only 18 and, as with Livramento and Chelsea, the deal includes a buy-back option for City. The tenacious midfielder is assured there will be opportunities under manager Ralph Hasenhuttl, despite mid-park competition from Oriol Romeu, James Ward-Prowse and Ibrahima Diallo.
“My journey to Manchester City has come to an end,” Lavia wrote on social media. “I have developed into an even better player and person and it was also an honor to make my debut for this huge club.”
Aribo, 25, has a release clause at Rangers of around £10million and his arrival remains the subject of negotiations between the two clubs.
He played almost every game for Rangers last season, posing a significant midfield threat with 19 goals and assists from his 57 appearances. Normally a central or attacking midfielder, Aribo can also act as a striker.
However, Southampton was well aware of their need to bolster themselves with a more specialized recruit in that area as well. Shane Long left after his contract expired and the club struggled to replace Danny Ings individually last season, with Adam Armstrong, Che Adams, Nathan Redmond, Theo Walcott and Long scoring just 18 goals.
Armando Broja was the top scorer among strikers with nine, but his Chelsea loan spell is now over.