Arsene Wenger is set to arrive at St Mary's on Boxing Day armed with a bid for Saints midfielder Victor Wanyama.
Victor Wanyama is about to be the subject of a bid by Arsenal according to London based media sources with the Gunners boss seemingly opening the bidding at £15 million.
That sounds a little cheap for a player who cost £12 million 2 1/2 years ago and now has enhanced his reputation with a series of great displays in the premier League for Saints.
But the reality is also that with his contract ending in the summer of 2017 and no sign of him putting pen to paper on another Saints will have to lose the Kenyan next summer if they are to get any money back on him rather than lose him on a free.
A few months ago Wanyama was immense, of late he has been a shadow of his former self and there are those that would be glad to see the back of him after the antics of August.
The feeling is that Saints might be tempted at £20 million given that they have no shortage of central midfielders and that Romeu is pushing for a regular place in the starting line up and could replace Wanyama.
Saints have also been linked with several holding midfielders in the run up to the January window and although some supporters might not like to hear it and will scream accusations about lack of ambition, they have to realise that the Premier league is a funny place and that as was shown with the situation at Chelsea, players these days don't love the clubs they play for, kissing the badge is hollow and they can hold the fate of a manager in their hands.
Wanyama leaving would be a blow, but given the overall situation might be the best thing in the long run for Southampton Football Club, although in the short term a little bit painful.
Sadly it is the way of the World these days, money and status talk in football.