Bologna midfielder Mattias Svanberg admits he is keen to try ‘something new’ after Premier League outfit Southampton came forward with an £8 million bid, speaking to Swedish publication Expressen.
Versatile, flexible and boasting plenty of room for improvement at the age of 23, you can see why a Southampton side who have made a habit of signing high-energy youngsters are big fans of Svanberg.
According to Gazzetta dello Sport, The Saints are willing to pay £8 million bid.
Ralph Hasenhuttl’s side are firming up their interest on a man who has also been linked with, amongst others, Everton, West Ham United and Tottenham Hotspur.
“I can’t say much beyond what the newspapers write,” Svanberg says. “But I look forward to the summer. We’ll see what happens.
“I have no problem staying in Italy but I can imagine trying something new.
“It’s fun to be mentioned (as a target for other clubs). It’s something you get used to. We’ll see what happens. Nothing is clear until something is signed.”
Will Southampton sign Mattias Svanberg?
Svanberg is entering the final 12 months of his contract at Bologna, meaning his market value has nosedived in recent times.
A case in point; When Southampton expressed their interest for the first time back in January 2021, the Rossoblu were reportedly asking for a fee closer to £20 million.
“(If I was to leave Italy) then I would probably prefer to play in England,” Svanberg, who joined Bologna from Malmo in 2018, said last year.
“It is the league you watch the most when you’re little and the league I follow the most if I do not watch Italian football.”
According to Calciomercato, Southampton made an approach for the 23-time Sweden international some 18 months ago, but Bologna refused to cash in midway through the campaign.
“He is a guy who like few others,” says five-time Champions League winner Alessandro Costacurta.
“There are few players with these characteristics around. He has character, professionalism and awareness. I like him a lot.”
Svanberg hit the target three times while providing another three assists in the 2021/22 Serie A season.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
