Manchester United and Arsenal are interested in Southampton midfielder Mario Lemina, according to reports.
The 25-year-old was left out of Southampton’s squad for their pre-season trip to Austria, and the Daily Mail claims United are hoping to take advantage of the situation.
Arsenal are also said to be interested in Lemina, as per talkSPORT.
He joined the Saints two years ago from Juventus but has been unable to nail down a regular spot at St. Mary’s.
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But people at both Arsenal and United clearly think Lemina is a risk worth taking if they’ve shown interest in signing him this summer.
On Monday, the Daily Mail ran a story claiming Saints boss Ralph Hasenhuttl is open to cashing in on the Gabon international, who has 3-years remaining on his current deal.
Lemina recently admitted he is ready to quit the Premier League club, saying (quotes via WhoScored): “I still have another three years of contract. But it is true that I do not rule out the possibility of seeing something else.
“The last four months have not been easy for me, with my injury. The coach put his team together. I want to start afresh. So why not leave?
“We have very good discussions with the club. We are in agreement. If I don’t feel good in this project, I can leave.
“They are giving me the opportunity to be able to go elsewhere.”
Manchester United reporter at PA Media Simon Peach has also heard about interest from the Red Devils as well as Arsenal and Leicester City.
#SaintsFC signed Lemina from Juventus for €17m (£15.6m) in August 2017 – a fee that could have increased by a further €3m (£2.77m) in add-ons. The club will at least want to get their money back – & in this market should be aiming for more
— Simon Peach (@SimonPeach) July 9, 2019
It doesn’t strike me as something to be excited about if Lemina couldn’t break into an average Southampton team.
The Evening Standard claims Southampton want £18m for Lemina’s signature and would like the deal wrapped but before they return from Austria next week.
