Leicester City are preparing to invest £22 million in an “excellent” player, potentially marking Steve Cooper’s third signing this transfer window. The club, eager to enhance their attacking options from abroad, is set on bringing in fresh talent following a tumultuous summer.
Leicester City’s recent transfer activities have been overshadowed by the departure of Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall to Chelsea. This move reunites Dewsbury-Hall with former Leicester manager Enzo Maresca, who led the Foxes to the 2023/24 Championship title.
Despite the upheaval, Steve Cooper’s team has been active in the transfer market. They are close to finalizing a £12 million deal for Atalanta defender Caleb Okoli and have secured Premier League attacker Bobby De Cordova-Reid after he turned down a new contract with Fulham. Additionally, former Coventry City midfielder Callum O’Hare is on Leicester’s radar following his release.
Leicester City Targets Juventus Winger Matias Soule
Leicester City is reportedly ready to spend £22 million on Juventus winger Matias Soule, as per Gianluca Dimarzio. However, negotiations between Leicester and Juventus are still ongoing, and no fee has been agreed upon yet.
Soule, a 21-year-old Argentinian, spent last season on loan at Frosinone, alongside Leicester target Okoli. Despite Frosinone’s relegation, Soule impressed by scoring 11 goals from wide positions and occasionally playing as a centre-forward. Frosinone’s manager, Eusebio Di Francesco, praised Soule for his technical skills and excellent dribbling.
Enhancing Leicester City’s Wing Options
With current wide options including Stephy Mavididi, Abdul Fatawu, and new signing De Cordova-Reid, Leicester City is keen to bolster their depth. Soule’s experience, even in a relegated team, could prove valuable, adding flair and creativity that could turn the tide in matches.
Strategic Signings for Premier League Survival
Steve Cooper is focused on assembling a squad capable of competing in the Premier League. The departures of Maresca and Dewsbury-Hall have provided Leicester with significant funds, allowing Cooper to make strategic acquisitions.
Leicester has already signed 18-year-old midfielder Michael Golding from Chelsea and free agent Bobby De Cordova-Reid. Abdul Fatawu’s loan deal is set to become permanent for £14 million, and Atalanta defender Caleb Okoli is expected to join for £12 million.
Priority: Adding a Striker
With Kelechi Iheanacho’s contract expired and Tom Cannon potentially leaving on loan, Cooper is prioritizing the acquisition of a new striker. With only Jamie Vardy and Patson Daka likely to remain at the club, a new forward is essential for Leicester’s survival hopes.
Linked Strikers
Leicester has been linked with few strikers so far. One potential target is former Barcelona striker Martin Braithwaite, available for £500k due to a release clause in his Espanyol contract. Another option could be Chris Wood, following the expiration of his contract with Nottingham Forest, given his previous work with Cooper.
As the transfer window progresses, securing a new striker will be crucial for Leicester City’s strategy and hopes for a successful Premier League campaign.
