Mario Lemina has told Ralph Hasenhuttl that he wants to leave Southampton this summer, according to the Mirror.
The midfielder has slotted in well since arriving at St Mary’s from Juventus two years ago, making 49 appearances over the last couple of seasons.
Injury problems have curtailed the Gabon international’s progress, however, meaning he has struggled to be a consistent regular in the middle of the park for Saints.
Lemina now reportedly sees his future lying elsewhere, with Serie A side Atalanta thought to be keen on signing him.
Speaking about his future, Lemina said it is time to move on and enjoy a fresh challenge:
I still have another three years of contract. But it is true that I do not rule out the possibility of seeing something else.
The last four months have not been easy for me, with my injury. The coach put his team together. I want to start afresh. So why not leave?
We have very good discussions with the club. We are in agreement. If I don’t feel good in this project, I can leave.
They are giving me the opportunity to be able to go elsewhere.
The 25-year-old is expected to head to Austria with his Southampton teammates on Monday, as they continue to prepare for the new season.
It appears as though Lemina will play no part in Saints’ 2019/20 Premier League campaign, however, unless he has a sudden change of heart.
