Manchester United and Arsenal target open to joining them

Mario Lemina has been told he can leave Southampton this summer and the midfielder is ready to move. The midfielder was left out of the Saints’ pre-season squad by Ralph Hasenhüttl along with Charlie Austin.

The 25-year-old midfielder is now a target for Manchester United and Arsenal this summer. Both clubs are reportedly keen on signing the former Juventus star and Saints have slapped an £18M price tag on him.

Lemina was asked if he willing to stay and fight for his place to which he replied he was ready to ‘move on’. “I am physically preparing myself at the training centre, with a few other players including Charlie Austin and Jordy Clasie,” he told France Football.

“I did not accompany the team in training in agreement with the coach [Ralph Hasenhuttl]. He wants to build his group with the players who want to stay at the club, so he left me out.”

The midfielder is keeping his options open amid interest from Arsenal and Manchester United.

“The best option for me would be to stay [in the Premier League], but I do not close the door to any club, no country. I aspire to play for the biggest clubs. I had chosen to leave Juventus for Southampton to have more playing time – I got it. I have made a good impression in England,” he added.

The Red Devils see him as the ideal replacement for Ander Herrera who joined PSG on a free transfer. The Gunners, meanwhile, eye him as a replacement for Mohamed Elneny, who has been told he can leave the club.