Cameron Archer transfer truth emerges as West Brom plot Southampton raid | OneFootball

Further details have emerged regarding West Bromwich Albion's transfer pursuit of Southampton striker Cameron Archer this summer...

Losing Karlan Grant, Daryl Dike, and Jed Wallace has weakened West Bromwich Albion's forward line. Not only that, but Josh Maja could follow and that leaves them short of attackers, in spite of the additions of Jimmy-Jay Morgan and Barney Stewart.

West Brom are looking for ways to bolster their ranks, which is where Southampton striker Cameron Archer comes in. After excellent spells with Preston North End and Middlesbrough on loan, Archer notched 18 Championship goals in 42 games.

In the 30 with Southampton since, Archer has managed just four. The 24-year-old has shown signs of being prolific at this level but that has not been true with the Saints. A fresh start could be what is needed and West Brom's interest in Archer was revealed recently.

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West Brom are yet to make a move but their current attackers in pre-season include Morgan, Stewart, Aune Heggebo, Tammer Bany, and Mikey Johnston. It's certainly something James Morrison will be keen to address.

A move to The Hawthorns could offer Archer exactly the kind of fresh start he needs. Morrison showed a willingness to deploy a 4-4-2 after taking permanent charge, with that system potentially suiting Archer far better than the role he found himself playing at Southampton.

Rather than leading the line on his own, or being deployed out wide, Archer would have the opportunity to operate alongside Heggebo, using his pace to run beyond defences while feeding off the Norwegian's physical presence and hold-up play.

It is a partnership that looks complementary on paper. Morrison's more direct, two-striker approach could also create the space and service Archer thrives on, potentially helping him rediscover the goalscoring form he has shown at Championship level that has been difficult to produce consistently in recent seasons on the south coast.

It appears as though West Brom have finally taken action on their transfer target and stepped up interest, with journalist Ben Jacobs of talkSPORT outlining that the Baggies have made an approach on the player's side.

However, he adds that Southampton are awaiting formal contact club-to-club, meaning a deal has not yet advanced for the former Villa striker.

How West Brom and Southampton fans are reacting to Cameron Archer transfer talk

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A number of fans of both Southampton and West Brom have already decided to have their say on X (formerly Twitter) to react to the transfer link, with mixed responses regarding the striker's situation.

One fan responded: "West Brom are targeting a striker who already has plenty of Championship experience despite being just 24. Cameron Archer has proven he can score at this level, and if the move happens, he could be a smart addition to the Baggies' attack."

Another reply on X read: "West Brom going for Archer makes sense if they want proven quality up top. Hope Southampton dont stand in his way of regular football he clearly needs right now.

One Southampton response joked: "Sounds like tapping up kick them out of the league and ban their manager."