According to recent reports, Ryan Bertrand could be set to leave Southampton this summer, with the 31-year-old yet to agree terms on a new deal with Saints.
Since joining Southampton from Chelsea in what was an £11.97 million deal back in 2015, Bertrand has gone on to make 238 appearances for the club, chipping in with eight goals and providing 20 assists along the way.
However, with the 31-year-old’s contract set to expire at the end of the season, and, as yet, there being no agreement reached in ongoing talks between the left-back and Southampton regarding a new deal, the Evening Standard report that the England international’s six-year stay at St. Mary’s could be coming to an end.
The Standard go on to claim that both Leicester City and Arsenal are considering a move for the £70,000-per-week defender, with the Foxes thought to be long-term admirers of Bertrand, while the Gunners are looking for back up for their first-choice left-back, Kieran Tierney.
Should Southampton allow Bertrand to leave this summer?
Yes
No
Transfer Tavern Take
Having made 28 Premier League appearances for Ralph Hasenhuttl’s side so far this season, the possibility of losing Bertrand, particularly on a free transfer, may come as something of a blow to the South Coast outfit this summer.
However, with the left-back having averaged a rather disappointing WhoScored match rating of just 6.42 in the league this term – ranking him as the club’s 15th-best performer in the top flight – perhaps letting the 31-year-old to move on could be a smart move by Saints, allowing them to save a considerable amount of money on the left-back’s wages, which could then be used to secure a replacement with a substantially brighter future than Bertrand.
In other news: ‘I hope so’ – Southampton’s £21m summer target dropped a huge hint on a potential Premier League move – find out more here!
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