Martin insists Alcaraz transfer is key to new Southampton signings

Saints are in negotiations with Brazilian giants Flamengo over the permanent transfer of the 21 year old, although a deal is not yet complete.

Reports from Brazil suggest Saints will receive around £16million and the opportunity to sign promising midfielder Victor Hugo.

Saints would also retain a sell-on percentage clause on Alcaraz for the duration of his development at Flamengo - which could be as high as 20 per cent.

Alcaraz has never been in favour under boss Martin and spent the second half of last season on loan at historic Italian outfit Juventus.

"I think if it happens, it helps us financially," Martin told the Daily Echo. "Carlos is a really talented player but probably his attributes suit a different style.

Saints boss Russell Martin is happy to keep Charly Alcaraz if a deal is not done (Image: PA)

"He's a great guy. I've enjoyed working with him. If he stays, it's not a problem. I think he's at a stage in his career where he wants to play every week.

"We'll have to wait and see on that one but I think if he goes, it's a good deal for us and it's a good deal for Carlos.

"He goes with nothing but positive things hopefully to say about the club and us to say about him," the boss added.

Alcaraz signed for Saints from Argentine outfit Racing Club in January 2023 for around £12million, scoring four goals in 18 Premier League matches.

He signed a new long-term contract at St Mary's after receiving his first senior international call-up in October 2023.

However, out-of-favour Alcaraz departed for Juventus with the ambition of earning a permanent move on deadline day in January 2024. 

Martin said: "He came here and played in a system that really suited him and his attributes, and did well in a team that really struggled.

"Last season, he had a couple of really good moments but couldn't quite get into the team in front of other people.

"He wanted to go and play elsewhere in January and he did. Obviously, he didn't play as many minutes as he would have liked.

"Now he's at a point in his career where I think if it works for him and it works for us, then he moves on and goes and plays somewhere that suits him.

Argentine Charly Alcaraz has scored eight goals in 48 appearances for Saints (Image: Stuart Martin)

"If it happens, it'll be a good deal for him. It'll be a good deal for us and it means we can probably have players that can really help us in the next few days."

Martin insisted he wants "some help in the final third" following Saturday's 1-0 defeat to Nottingham Forest - but has been vague on what form that comes.

Saints have been linked to Corinthians striker Yuri Alberto, 23, and West Brom winger Tom Fellows, 21, within the last 24 hours. 

After a few days to assess, the Daily Echo asked Martin how many new attackers he would like - and the boss left the door open for more than one.

He responded: "We'll have to wait and see. I think I need to help the lads. We need to help the lads a bit more as well.

"Last summer Nathan Tella left and he went and had a great season, achieved brilliant things, and then we ended up playing Adam Armstrong out there.

"He did brilliantly but he's a guy that wants to play as a number nine really, and he did all last season - although he scored 25 goals or whatever.

"We just need people that are a bit different to what we have right now just so we have various options. I'm really happy with the options we have.

"But we have a lot of similar options if that makes sense. We just need probably one or two points of difference at some point.

"I think Mateus Fernandes can help us with that. Tyler Dibling and Sam Amo-Ameyaw are brilliant young players. We'll wait and see where we end up.

"It depends on who leaves the building as well, whether it's one or two players or whatever, it will depend on maybe who goes out.

"It's probably frustrating for people but it also may be exciting for some to see what happens. I'm pretty sure whatever business we do, it will be good for us."