Southampton are ‘close’ to signing Dinamo Zagreb’s Croatia international Mislav Orsic for a fee of around £7 million and could also make a £12 million move for Carlos ‘Charly’ Alcaraz, according to Sportske Novosti and The Sun.
We are not even a week into the January transfer window and a Saints side still nailed to the bottom of the table certainly cannot be accused of letting the grass grow beneath their feet.
Southampton have only scored 15 times this season. So what better way to solve that particular problem than by signing one of Europe’s most underrated goalscorers? A man who has hit double figures in every one of his five seasons at Dinamo Zagreb, while breaking the 20-goal barrier for three successive campaigns?
Orsic, a member of Croatia’s Qatar World Cup squad, is ‘close’ to becoming Nathan Jones’ first new signing. Southampton are set to make an offer in the region of £7 million this week.
Southampton close to signing Dinamo Zagreb forward Mislav Orsic
Orsic, who is perhaps most famous for a Europa League hat-trick which still keeps Jose Mourinho and Tottenham Hotspur supporters up at night, came close to joining Burnley 12 months ago. He was also a target for West Brom during the Slaven Bilic era at the Hawthorns.
“Mislav is a special player,” Dinamo coach Zeljko Kopic said in January 2022; thrilled to retain the services of Orsic after a move to Burnley broke down at the 11th hour.
“He is a favourite among the fans. Children see him as a symbol of Dinamo. We are proud that he stays with us.”
Kopic, of course, will be praying that history repeats itself.
According to The Sun, meanwhile, Southampton are also planning an opening offer in the region of £12 million for Racing Club’s talented attacking midfielder Carlos ‘Charly’ Alcaraz. The 20-year-old is a typically Argentine talent; technically gifted but as tenacious as they come. He mustered more yellow cards (10) than goals (nine) during the 2022 campaign.
Alcarez’s representatives held talks with Wolves recently. Southampton now appear to be at the front of the queue, however; a bid of around £12 million likely to be enough.
The Sun adds that negotiations with Lorient hitman Terem Moffi are underway too. Moffi has 10 goals in 15 Ligue 1 starts in 2022/23.
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