Southampton have expressed an interest in signing River Plate midfielder Gonzalo Martinez, according to a report from Italian news outlet Calciomercato.it.
Marcelo Simonian, who represents Martinez, has reportedly been across Europe recently as he looks to explore potential destinations for his client, with a move to the Premier League under consideration.
Martinez, 25, made 18 starts for River Plate last season in the top-flight of Argentine football and enjoyed a solid campaign. He chipped in with six goals and also contributed with a further three assists.
Saints are named by Calciomercato.it as one of several clubs to have eyed up Martinez as a potential target this summer, with the race for his signature seemingly hotting up.
The report indicates that Martinez could be an obtainable target for most clubs in the top tiers of European football, too. In his contract at River Plate, the playmaker is believed to have a release clause worth just €15m.
Southampton aren’t alone in their alleged pursuit of Martinez, however. It’s stated in the report that Serie A giants Lazio are keen, with Premier League duo Everton and Tottenham Hotspur interested as well.
