FootyChatter.com

Archer (left) could play against Southampton on Saturday but Ugochukwu was not registered in time Southampton have signed striker Cameron Archer from Aston Villa for £15m and Chelsea midfielder Lesley Ugochukwu on loan. Archer, 22, has signed a four-year deal at St Mary's and leaves Villa despite only returning from Sheffield United last month. The England Under-21 international rejoined Villa after the Blades' relegation from the Premier League last season triggered a buy-back clause, but they have now decided to sell him again. Ugochukwu, 20, joins on a season-long loan. He signed for Chelsea last season in a £23. 2m deal from Rennes but played just 15 times in an injury-hit campaign. Archer said: “I'm really excited to be here. I had a good chat with the gaffer [Russell Martin]. Obviously, he told me everything I needed to hear. “That was one of the main reasons why I'm here, his playing style, his coaching and trying to improve me as a player. It's not a bad place to do that in the Premier League with Southampton. Archer joined Sheffield United for £18m last summer and scored four goals - including one in the 1-1 draw at Villa Park - as the Blades finished bottom of the league. He had loan spells at Preston and Middlesbrough while at Villa, where he made 14 appearances - although just two starts - in his first spell, scoring four times. The forward has joined Southampton in time to travel for their Premier League opener at Newcastle on Saturday. Ugochukwu, who has represented France at under-21 level, was not registered in time to make the squad for Southampton's opening game. "[Joining Southampton] was a very easy decision, " he said. "They just came back to Premier League. When I heard Southampton, when I spoke to the gaffer as well, I said, 'I have to come here'. "I'm just here to work hard and give everything for the fans and for myself as well. " The Saints have signed several players, including Ben Brereton Diaz, Nathan Wood and Ronnie Edwards, after promotion from the Championship last season. Comments can not be loaded To load Comments you need to enable Java Script in your browser 'Dream' start for Zirkzee - but questions over Sancho future Kane scores as Kompany starts Bayern reign with win PSG thump Le Havre in first match without Mbappe Is it a good idea for Gemma to flatshare with her dad? A big-hearted family story with Aimee Lou Wood and David Morrissey Vicky Mc Clure is the latest star to trace her lineage Lost connections are revealed, along with stories of courage, joy, sacrifice and resilience Tom Hanks stars in tense thriller. Video Tom Hanks stars in tense thriller Tom Hanks stars as a lawyer who ends up leading negotiations between the US and Russia A new drug changes the streets of LA A hard-hitting drama about the rise of crack cocaine in the 1980s 'One signing could give Arsenal the title' Sutton's opening-weekend predictions v Courteeners frontman Fray The Hundred knockouts: Schedule & how to watch and follow on BBC New rules, new faces - the Premier League is back A trophy, a goal and 'no limit' - Madrid's Mbappe era begins Premier League predictions: Who will finish where in 2024-25? 'This is how I'll pick my side' - Deeney takes on Team of the Week duty Ten new players to watch in the Premier League The rise and fall of North Korea - the sleeping giant of women's football Could there be an NFL Dream Team at LA 2028? Remarkable images from the Paris Olympics Watch the BBC's Paris 2024 closing montage. Video Watch the BBC's Paris 2024 closing montage Paris Olympics: The best stats from the 2024 Games Academy stars & signings - who are the youngsters to watch? The key questions for sport after boxing eligibility row Denise Lewis' best moments on the BBC. Video Denise Lewis' best moments on the BBC The Hollywood Olympics: All you need to know about Los Angeles 2028 © 2024 BBC. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. Read about our approach to external linking.