The 17-year-old, who previously played for Arsenal, will now complete the remainder of his scholarship with Saints until the end of the season.



“I am delighted to have signed here,” explained Tella.



“It’s just a relief to know that I have found a place that I can settle down and crack on with my future.



“I had a really good ten years at Arsenal and I wouldn’t change any of it, but I am looking forward to starting a new chapter here now.”



Tella has spent a number of weeks on trial with Craig Fleming’s Under-18s side, and netted his first Southampton goal in a 2-2 draw with Newcastle United.



And the scholar believes his trial period helped to confirm that a move to the south coast was right for him.



“I knew this was the place for me,” he continued.



“I felt that straight that straight away. The team play the same football that I like to play and the boys are all very team orientated.



“The players are also really nice people off the pitch and have helped me to settle in quickly - I feel like I have known them all for a while already.”