Southampton eyeing bold Atletico Madrid, Nahuel Molina transfer - He could replace Kyle Walker-Peters | OneFootball

Southampton are reportedly plotting a move for World Cup winner Nahuel Molina from Atletico Madrid

Southampton are reportedly plotting a move for World Cup winner Nahuel Molina from Atlético Madrid, according to Spanish newspaper, Marca

Southampton have shown interest in signing Argentinian full-back Nahuel Molina from Atlético Madrid, as per reports from Spanish Newspaper, Marca

The 27-year-old has been subject to plenty of transfer speculation this summer as the Argentinian has attracted interest from Italy and England, with Southampton being a destination among the list.

With the transfer window set to close on 1st September, Southampton's late push for the experienced full-back is hopeful but not far-fetched, as Molina's Madrid exit is most likely imminent.

Atlético Madrid have made seven signings this window and look to freshen up their squad for the upcoming La Liga season, which has left Molina's future up in the air.

A move to St.Mary's could be a potential option for the World Cup winner, as he would for sure be an upgrade on their Japanese international Yukinari Suguwara, and look to fill the void on the right-hand side which has been left by the departure of Kyle Walker-Peters to West Ham.

Southampton show keen interest in Atlético Madrid's Nahuel Molina

Despite making contact with Atlético about the potential signing of Molina, Southampton face some fierce opposition in the race for his signature, with Italian giants Juventus also having the full-back on their targets as well as close neighbours, Bournemouth being interested in bringing him to the Vitality Stadium.

Southampton were reportedly unsuccessful in their first approach for Molina as knowledge of where his future lies remains uncertain, with an array of clubs monitoring the current situation in Madrid.

According to Spanish outlet Marca, Molina is not pushing for a way out of Madrid as he is happy and so too is manager Diego Simeone, who considers the Argentinian to be very important and therefore wants to keep him at the club.

The full-back still has two years left on his contract with Atlético which runs until the end of June 2027, and sure seems keen on running down that time before seeking out a new opportunity overseas.

Nahuel Molina's experience could be vital in Will Still's young Southampton side

Molina has been a vital piece in Simeone's side ever since signing from Italian side Udinese in 2022. The 27-year-old has made over 30 league appearances for Atlético Madrid in three consecutive seasons, and in that time has clocked up six goals and eight assists in the Spanish top-flight.

As well as having a vastly experienced career up to now at club level, Molina has been a staple in the Argentina national team.

So far in his career, he has been a part of the Argentina team that has gone on to win two Copa América trophies in 2021 and 2024, and win the biggest prize in football, the FIFA World Cup in 2022.

With Southampton not having too much to shout about this summer in the way of transfers, if the Saints were to land Molina's signature, it sure would be a statement of intent to the rest of the Championship, and highlight the pull that the ex-Premier League club still have, regardless of facing the drop last season.

Southampton would, of course, have to make serious plays in order to beat off esteemed top-flight competition and convince a player of Molina's proven class and pedigree to drop down to the Championship at a prime age in his career, meaning it would be no surprise to see this one fail to really get off the ground.