Southampton have made an offer to sign Troyes attacker Bryan Mbeumo this summer, it has been claimed.
L’Equipe have reported that that the Saints are keen to lure Mbeumo to St. Mary’s, although they are set to face stern competition from Borussia Monchengladbach.
The report further states that Montpellier and Strasbourg had earlier tabled bids of €3million to €4million, which were rejected by Troyes.
Southampton finished sixteenth with 39 points in the Premier League last season and one of the major headaches for them was their blunt attacking force.
They managed to score just 45 league goals and manager Ralph Hasenhuttl has been busy in beefing up his attacking artillery in the ongoing transfer window.
Hasenhuttl has already acquired the services of Danny Ings, Che Adams and Moussa Djenepo this summer and Mbeumo seems to be his next target.
It has to be noted that the Ligue 2 forward is open to a move away from France but Southampton need to act quickly as Monchengladbach are also desperate to sign him.
Is it a good move in the offing?
Ever since the departures of Sadio Mane and Graziano Pelle, Southampton have appeared to be toothless in their offensive endeavours on many occasions.
Although Ings, Djenepo and Adams have brought freshness to their ranks, signing Mbeumo would ensure an adequate supply of goals in the upcoming campaign.
The 19-year-old has established himself at Troyes, having plundered 10 goals in 35 appearances in the French second division, which is why his stocks are rated highly.
He is a versatile player and can operate across the front line and his versatility and hunger to excel on the pitch would provide a boost for the side in what is expected to be a difficult campaign ahead.
With pace to burn, Mbeumo is a lethal commodity in the final third and has an undeniable knack to score goals as well as to create chances for his teammates.
The French prodigy has showcased that he is commendable in the air and has the physique necessary to make his presence felt in English football.
His understandable lack of experience in English football is likely to see him take time to settle down if the move materialises. But it is something Hasenhuttl can afford to risk as in the event that he is able to get up to speed, Bryan can add a lot of value towards the business end of the season and is also a long term option for the Saints.
