According to reports in the Daily Mail, Southampton are lining up a £10m bid for Celtic midfielder Stuart Armstrong, with The Express saying they are willing to offer him a £30,000-a-week deal.
What’s the word, then?
Well, the Daily Mail says that Saints scouts watched Armstrong on a number of occasions last season and were impressed with a number of stand-out performances from the 25-year-old.
The midfielder has just a year remaining on his contract with Scottish Premiership champions and despite the fact that the Bhoys are quietly confident he will sign a new deal, the fact he is yet to will give new Southampton boss Mauricio Pellegrino hope that he could yet bring him to St Mary’s with an offer of £10m.
How good was Armstrong last season?
He was extremely impressive.
The 25-year-old scored 15 goals and provided a further seven assists for Celtic in 31 Scottish Premiership appearances, and he also showed his versatility by being comfortable in attacking, central and defensive midfield positions.
Nominated for the PFA Scotland Player of the Year award, Armstrong’s performances also earned him his first senior call up to the Scotland squad, and he won his first cap in March.
Would he be a good signing for Southampton?
While it can sometimes be difficult to take form from the Scottish Premiership to the English Premier League, Saints will look to their previous business with the Bhoys and be confident that Armstrong could make the step up.
The south coast outfit have signed Fraser Forster, Victor Wanyama and Virgil van Dijk from Celtic in recent years and they have all become Premier League stars and some of the best in their position in the division.
Goals were a big problem for Southampton too last season – especially from midfield – with the likes of Oriol Romeu, Steven Davis, Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg and Jordy Clasie finding the net just once between them in the Premier League.
Armstrong could bring goals to the middle of the park, and it would be a welcome sight for the supporters.
What’s the verdict, then?
Well, it could all depend on whether Armstrong wants to sign a new deal at Celtic but if he doesn’t, don’t be surprised to see Southampton try and buy their next gem from the Bhoys in the coming weeks.
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