The French striker was a key transfer target for Southampton this summer.
According to Italian media outlet Corriere dello Sport, the Saints are set to miss out on signing key target Grégoire Defrel, with the Frenchman set to join Serie A giants Roma in an £18 million deal.
It was reported earlier this summer that Southampton were lining up a bid for the Sassuolo hitman, according to talkSPORT.
Quite whether the 26-year-old was the right man for the south coast outfit is debatable, however, and they might just have had a lucky escape, what with Defrel reportedly on his way to Roma.
Sassuolo’s Gregoire Defrel in action
He scored just 12 goals in 29 Serie A outings last term, and his career record of 29 goals in 105 appearances is underwhelming to say the least.
Standing at just 5ft 11in tall, with a diminutive frame, there is also an argument to be made that Defrel doesn’t possess the kind of physique that is particularly conducive to succeeding in the English game.
With a month still to go before the 2017/18 Premier League campaign kicks off, Southampton still have plenty of time to sign an accomplished forward, and they can certainly do better than the Sassuolo forward.
Missing out on Defrel could turn out to be a blessing in disguise for the Saints.
Sassuolo’s Gregoire Defrel celebrates
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