Southampton have no time to waste as Russell Martin looks to get his squad ready for the start of the Premier League season in under two weeks.

Ben Brereton Diaz became Southampton’s eighth first-team signing of the summer last week, meaning Russell Martin finally welcomed a forward to his ranks.

Five of the signings so far have been defenders, whilst Flynn Downes is a holding midfielder and Adam Lallana – who is yet to feature in pre-season – is a versatile midfielder.

The priority now is for Southampton to improve their final third options, with interest in the likes of Matt O’Riley, Fabio Carvalho and Jesurun Rak-Sakyi evidence of this.

Now, it appears the Saints could look to utilise the loan market to secure a temporary deal for a versatile player who could help cover two attacking positions.

Southampton join race to loan Brighton midfielder Facundo Buonanotte

O’Riley is undoubtedly Martin’s priority attacking midfield target, but interest from Chelsea and Atalanta in the Celtic man is making a deal difficult.

A move for Liverpool’s Carvalho is also complicated as the Reds do not want to sell the 21-year-old; which is the same situation regarding Rak-Sakyi and Crystal Palace.

Therefore, Southampton could now look to capitalise on a club who are actively seeking a temporary home for one of their attacking talents in Brighton’s Facundo Buonanotte.

According to reports from Dutch outlet 1908, Southampton have joined Feyenoord in their attempts to take Buonanotte on loan for the season.

The report explains that Southampton and Feyenoord both want to take the 19-year-old on loan and that the player is free to decide which destination he would prefer as Brighton have strengthened in his position this summer.

Buonanotte could be perfect solution to Southampton attacking transfer troubles

Brereton Diaz’ arrival has helped to ease concerns slightly regarding Southampton’s lack of firepower but he will currently have little in the way of service unless Martin secures some signings.

Stuart Armstrong and Che Adams both left the club following the expiration of their contracts, whilst Ryan Fraser and David Brooks have both returned to their parent clubs after spending last season on loan.

With Kamaldeen Sulemana sustaining an injury against Oxford United last week that will see him miss the start of the season and Ross Stewart still yet to feature in pre-season, Southampton look really light on attacking options.

Buonanotte can play as either an attacking midfielder or winger which would be a real bonus for Southampton who are short in both areas.

The Argentine is a real talent and was managed by the legendary Carlos Tevez at Rosario Central before signing for Brighton in January 2023.

Tevez could not have given the youngster higher praise, comparing Buonanotte to none other than Lionel Messi.

Speaking about the young midfielder, Tevez said: “I watch football and it’s been a long time since I’ve seen someone play who gives me as much pleasure as Buonanotte.

“When he brakes and accelerates, he reminds me of [Lionel] Messi. He is at a very high level.”

That is some claim and if Southampton can beat Feyenoord to a loan deal for Buonanotte they could really benefit from his talents in their battle for Premier League survival.