Koeman prepares double raid on Gunners

Southampton are keen to bring in Carl Jenkinson and Serge Gnabry on loan from Arsenal. They are going through a period of transition under new boss Ronald Koeman who seems keen to stamp his own identity on the club, having approved what has been a mass exodus, and a couple of his own additions.

At 6/4 to secure a top 10 finish in the Premier League next season, the Saints need to strengthen significantly to achieve anything higher. Rickie Lambert, Adam Lallana, Luke Shaw, Dejan Lovren, and Calum Chambers have all left the club this summer, bringing in around £90m in transfer revenue.

The latter was the most recent to leave the south coast, having secured a £16m switch to the Gunners. However, Arsene Wenger has offered Koeman the chance to take Carl Jenkinson on loan for a season. Currently, the Saints have Nathaniel Clyne at right back, who was often first choice last term, though the Arsenal man offers versatility, able to fill in at left back as well.

Although Koeman would face competition from West Ham for the player, it is a question of whether Jenkinson wants to stay in London, or fancies some sea air and a change of scenery. It is an interesting time at Southampton, and their new manager has been quite coy so far about his plans.

Having brought in Serbian left winger Dusan Tadic, it appears that the 25-year-old could replace Lallana in some vein, although there could be a change in the style of football that is played at Southampton. Koeman is a fan of natural width, and the signing of centre forward Graziano Pelle from Feyenoord is the perfect target man for wingers to aim at.

On the other side, Southampton could add Gnabry. Hugely talented, the German is highly rated in his home country, and by Arsenal’s coaching staff, though Wenger is a fan of sending his youngsters out on loan. Jack Wilshere excelled at Bolton when he was coming through Arsenal’s ranks, while Costa Rica attacker Joel Campbell enjoyed a successful season at Olympiakos last term. Aaron Ramsey was loaned back to Cardiff City shortly after signing for the Gunners, and then Nottingham Forest; moves that were no doubt crucial to his development.

Gnabry would certainly fit in at Southampton, and buy the club time with frustrated fans who have seen their best players leave in a short space of time. Former boss Mauricio Pochettino meanwhile, could be set to sign for midfielder Morgan Schneiderlin and attacker Jay Rodriguez, for new club Spurs, which would leave the Saints squad significantly short. As yet, no formal bid has been lodged, with Liverpool also showing a reported interest in Rodriguez, though the fact that he is injured, could complicate matters.