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One of the more positive aspects of Southampton’s poor campaign last season was Armel Bella-Kotchap, who even earned himself a couple of Germany caps along the way.

The 21-year-old imposed himself physically in the Premier League, which has caught the eye of AS Monaco, according to L’Equipe, who will want to take advantage from the fact the Saints have been relegated to the Championship.

With the expected departure of Axel Disasi, the principality club will need a replacement, which is where the young Southampton defender comes in.

The French newspaper state Monaco are interested in Bella-Kotchap, as the centre-back ‘would like to leave’ the Saints following their relegation.

In fact, the Ligue 1 side have ‘started discussions’ to try and get the Paris-born player to the principality, but there is ‘important competition’ from Germany, where RB Leipzig are taking an interest in the player, who was signed by Southampton in 2022 for €11m.

During his time at St Mary’s, Bella-Kotchap made 26 appearances in all competitions and helped out his teammates with two assists.