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According to The Mirror, Arsenal and Manchester United have joined the list of clubs to hold an interest in signing Birmingham City striker Che Adams, a reported January target for Southampton.

What’s the story?

If either the Gunners or the Red Devils were to pursue the 22-year-old in the upcoming summer transfer window, then they would surely possess the financial might to beat any other interested parties to the former England under-20 international’s signature.

Arsenal, especially, would be wise to launch a move for Adams as with Danny Welbeck’s contract at the Emirates Stadium set to expire at the end of the season, Unai Emery will be in the market for a new back-up striker. 

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This news will surely come as a blow to Southampton though, who may have been plotting a summer swoop for the Blues’ hitman themselves. The Saints failed to acquire his services in January, when their £8 million bid was rebuffed by the St Andrew’s club.

The south coast club may now rue not having done more to bring Adams to St Mary’s Stadium during the winter window when they had the chance. 

A missed opportunity

It’s hardly surprising that Adams is garnering top flight interest. The forward has been in fine form in the Championship so far this season. As per Transfermarkt’s stats, the striker has racked up 19 goals and four assists in 32 league games.

Transfermarkt only afford Adams an evaluation of £2.25 million. However, the No. 9’s true worth is far in excess of that, and if it came to a bidding war in the summer, the likes of Arsenal or United - or any other ‘big six’ club - could surely outmuscle Southampton.

It looks as though the chance for Ralph Hasenhuttl to add Adams to his ranks may well have passed.