Saints have completed a deadline day swoop for Italian striker Manolo Gabbiadini.
The 25-year-old international, who can play as a forward or an attacking midfielder, has joined from Napoli for an initial fee of around £14.5m, but which could rise to about £17 with add-ons.
Gabbiadini has signed a four-and-a-half year contract.
He said: "I am very, very happy. Since I was a kid, one of my dreams was to perform in one of the biggest leagues in the world, so now that it's happening I can't wait to start playing.
"The facilities that I have seen here are an incredible level – top-level standards even for Serie A. These are the sort of facilities that make you want to come here and perform as soon as possible.”
Saints have been chasing Gabbiadini for the last fortnight as they looked to sign an attacking talent to add to their squad with Charlie Austin out for the next few months.
Gabbiadini, who has six caps for Italy, and whose sister, Melania, represents the Italian women’s team, is known as a versatile player who can play as a striker or in a deeper or wider role.
His goalscoring record is respectable while a little short of spectacular, having netted 58 times in 218 games in his career, which has been spent in Italy at Atalanta, Cittadella, Bologona – on loan – Sampdoria and Napoli.
Gabbiadini’s career began with Atalanta, where he made 26 appearances in all competitions between 2009 and 2012, while also enjoying a successful spell with Cittadella, in Serie B.
The Italy international has since gone on to represent Bologna, Sampdoria and Napoli in Serie A, making 160 appearances in all competitions for the three clubs.
In total, Gabbiadini has netted 58 club goals in 215 appearances during his time in Italy, while also winning six caps for the Italian national side, scoring once.
Executive Director of Football Les Reed said: “We are delighted to have secured the signing of Manolo Gabbiadini, ahead of a number of other clubs who were interested in him.
“We have followed his progress for a significant amount of time and have worked hard behind the scenes to agree a deal for him this month.
“At the age of 25, we believe Manolo can play an important part in the remainder of the season, while still having his best years ahead of him.
"Claude Puel’s reputation for developing young players also makes this an ideal place in which he can take the next step in his career.
“With Jay Rodriguez, Shane Long and Nathan Redmond all in good form, and Charlie Austin making encouraging progress in his return from injury, Manolo is another exciting addition to our attacking line-up ahead of the final months of the season, as well as for future campaigns.”
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