According to Sky Sports, Arsenal are leading a number of Premier League clubs in the race to sign in demand Eupen forward Henry Onyekuru this summer.

The 19-year-old has become a target for sides all across Europe after scoring 24 goals in all competitions for the Belgian outfit this term, including 10 in his last 10 appearances, but the Nigerian – who has a release clause of £6.8m in his contract – is said to favour a move to England.

Southampton are among the other interested parties as they look to strengthen their squad this summer in order to qualify for Europa League football again next season following an eighth-place finish this term.

The south coast outfit will certainly feel that St Mary’s would be a better destination for the young attacker rather than linking up with Arsene Wenger at the Emirates.

Here are three reasons Southampton hold the advantage over Arsenal in the race to sign Onyekuru...

Their reputation with young players

While a move to Arsenal may be a dream one for Onyekuru, if he is thinking about a more gradual progression in his career then he would be mad not to be considering a move to Southampton.

The south coast outfit have become renowned in recent years for giving young players opportunities and developing them –James Ward-Prowse and Jack Stephens  this season for example – and the same could happen for the Nigerian forward if he chose to join Saints.

First team football

Again, while a transfer to the Emirates would clearly be a desirable one for Onyekuru, would he get the first team chances he needs to develop his game at Arsenal?

Competing with the likes of Alexis Sanchez, Mesut Ozil, Theo Walcott and Danny Welbeck would be no easy task for the 19-year-old and he would certainly stand more of a chance of being a regular in the side if he moved to Southampton instead.

Playing football is vital for a young player and he won’t want to be another one that ends up in the reserves, out on loan or even on the scrapheap.

Proving himself before a move

If Onyekuru does move to Southampton, then history suggests the club will give him a supportive platform to perform on and won’t stand in his way if a bigger team come calling in the future.

The Nigerian will have seen the likes of Sadio Mane and Victor Wanyama secure moves to Liverpool and Tottenham respectively last year after becoming regulars at St Mary’s, and he will know that because of his age he still has time on his side to secure a dream transfer if he impresses on a regular basis.

Do you agree, Saints fans? Let us know below.