Report: Monaco want to sign Mario Lemina from Southampton

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Southampton midfielder Mario Lemina is wanted in France. According to France Football, Monaco are keen to sign Lemina before the end of the European transfer window.

Lemina is keen to leave Southampton but failed to secure a move to another Premier League side. Wolves wanted the Gabon international (as per The Daily Mail) but fell short in their pursuit. Meanwhile, Arsenal and Manchester United were also eager to sign Lemina (The Telegraph).

After the English window shut, Lemina’s hopes of joining another Premier League team vanished. But the European deadline has not passed yet so he can still move to another European club.

The ex-Lorient and Marseille midfielder could return to France, four years after his 2015 move to Juventus. After 52 games for Southampton, the 25-year-old is looking for a new challenge.

Monaco could make a move for Lemina before the European window shuts. The Ligue 1 side have the financial backing to match his reported €15m (just under £14m) price tag.

TBR’s view

Lemina clearly wants to leave Southampton and it is in the best interests of both the player and the club that a permanent sale is agreed. In today’s market, though, Southampton could hold out for more than £14m.

With a contract lasting until 2022, there is no immediate pressure to sell Lemina. Southampton should hold out for a bigger fee or let him stay in the reserves if no club matches their asking price.