Premier League strugglers Southampton have reached an agreement in principle with Carlos ‘Charly’ Alcaraz’s representatives but are yet to meet Racing Club’s £16 million price-tag, according to Calciomercato.
With relegation rivals Wolves seemingly looking elsewhere for the time being, and with neither Arsenal nor Tottenham Hotspur building upon their initial interest, Southampton appear to have moved into pole position for one of the most exciting talents in Argentinian football.
Alcaraz, The Athletic say, is at the top of Nathan Jones’ January wishlist; bottom-of-the-table Southampton aiming to add some extra bite and quality to a rather one-paced midfield.
20-year-old Alcaraz, technical and tenacious in equal measure, scored nine goals and picked up ten yellow cards during his breakthrough season at Racing Club. Jones’ aggressive, high-energy style should suit the 5ft 9ins schemer rather nicely, even if the former Luton Town boss has been unable to really put his stamp on a Saints side who picked up a morale-boosting 2-1 win against Crystal Palace in the FA Cup third round.
Southampton hope to sign Carlos ‘Charly’ Alcaraz from Racing Club
Southampton, The Athletic add, failed with an opening £8.8 million bid for Alcaraz. He has a £22 million release clause in his contract, with Racing hoping for a fee closer to £16 million. Whether the Saints are willing to double their initial offer – with so many other targets on a lengthy January wishlist – remains to be seen.
Suggestions that terms have been agreed with Alcaraz’s camp should give Jones and co enough encouragement that a deal can be reached.
Serie A giants Inter Milan are also admirers of Alcaraz. Ditto Benfica (O Jogo); the Portuguese outfit potentially viewing the all-action Argentine as a potential replacement for World Cup-winning compatriot Enzo Fernandez, amid ongoing interest from Liverpool, Manchester United and Chelsea.
Southampton have already brought one new player to St Mary’s this month. Croatian forward Mislav Orsic arrives for a bargain £8 million from Dinamo Zagreb.
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