Saints have smashed their transfer record to sign striker Gudio Carrillo.

The 26-year-old Argentinian striker has completed a £19.2m move from Monaco, signing a three-and-a-half-year contract.

Carrillo previously worked under Mauricio Pellegrino at Estudiantes and will add a targetman option to the squad.

He said: “I am an attacking player that can lead the line, that can bring others into play.

“Obviously it depends on what the coach wants of me, and I like to be active in and around the box to put away chances, which for strikers is clearly the most important thing. I am someone that will give my all, try my hardest and do whatever is asked of me by the manager.”

Carrillo also spoke highly of Pellegrino, having worked with him in the past.

“I know him very well, I know his quality as a person and as a coach,” said Carrillo.

“His presence here was important in me taking this decision and taking this opportunity to move to the Premier League, which is where I have always dreamed of playing.”

He added: “Lots of things attracted me to the club. First of all, I know Southampton from watching the Premier League from when I was small, I’ve always regarded it as the most important league in the world.

“I obviously know the coaching staff, I’ve worked with them in Argentina and I also spoke with some players who were former teammates in Argentina, who are now playing in the Premier League and they told me all about the club and gave it a shining reference. “Therefore, I had no doubts when I took the decision.

“I spoke a little bit with Federico Fernandez, who plays for Swansea, who I know a lot from youth football and Estudiantes. He gave me a great recommendation about the club and he said the weather is a little bit better than where he was. So, he convinced me.

“I can’t wait to get playing, to train and to get to know the group as quickly as possible. It’s really important because there are lot of games coming up. I hope I can get going as soon as possible, get out on the field for Southampton and I hope things go well."

Read Saints' full statement here > >

Saints’ vice chairman (football) Les Reed commented: “A huge amount of work has gone in to completing this transfer, and we are thrilled that we have now been able to push it through to completion.

“Guido represents a very exciting addition to our attacking options ahead of the final months of the season, possessing plenty of experience at the highest level, while also having the potential and the desire to improve even further.

“We are confident he will benefit us not only in the remainder of this campaign, but in the years to come.”