Southampton were one of a number of clubs repeatedly linked to Luciano Vietto over the summer.
Indeed, Southampton were probably linked with Vietto more than any other side outside Spanish football.
The claims started around July and would pop up again every week in the Spanish media, as Atletico Madrid looked to find a new home for the young forward.
Vietto was ‘for sale’, with Atletico looking at that option rather than a loan. Interest from inside La Liga revolved more around the loan idea, and nothing got off the ground.
Southampton interest also made more sense on a loan basis. With Vietto failing to fully settle at Atletico, at least up until the summer, a move to the Premier League would have been a further risk.
Speaking to Mundo Deportivo, the Argentine was asked about offers during the summer, and was happy to confirm the situation: “Yes I did (receive offers), but the idea of the club was not to loan me. For one thing or another it wasn’t completed and finally the coach decided that I would stay, and I’m very happy about how everything has gone.”
Vietto knows Atletico were happy to see him leave, but the 23 year old hopes to stay for the full season, despite the added competition of Diego Costa and Vitolo coming his way in January.
Unless things change dramatically, Atletico would happily a good offer from Southampton or anyone else in January, and may even be ready to consider a loan.
