Leicester City have been busy in the summer transfer window before their first season back in the Premier League. So far, the Foxes have signed Michael Golding from Chelsea, Caleb Okoli from Italian side Atalanta, Bobby De Cordova-Reid who was a free transfer after being released from Fulham and the permanent signing of Abdul Fatawu from Sporting Lisbon.
However, the rumours in and around Leicester don’t stop there as they still aim to improve their squad with more talent. Here is a look at the latest transfer rumours and how likely they are to be heading to the King Power Stadium.
Matias Soule
One of the most talked about players coming from Serie A, and the chatter seems to be placing Matias Soule to Roma. The Argentinian wants to stay in Italy and even after interest from Leicester and West Ham United, Soule has his heart set on Roma.
Reports from Italian sports newspaper La Gazzetta dello Sport say that the midfielder has agreed personal terms with Roma and is just waiting on Juventus to accept a bid.
The attacking midfielder impressed whilst on loan at Frosinone and has been a wanted man from clubs all across Europe, however Roma are pushing heavily as boss Daniele De Rossi is a big fan of the player.
Although, Juventus are still waiting to see if Leicester make a good enough bid, as Roma have had their first bid of €25 million plus add-ons rejected, but they are willing to keep trying.
The Foxes aren’t out of this transfer yet, but they have a lot of work to do to convince Soule to come to the King Power. However, there is a backup plan just in case Soule cannot be convinced to join.
Likelihood: 15%
Richard Rios
The latest rumour around the Midlands side comes from a new focus on South American football. The 24-year-old Colombian international currently plays at Brazilian side Palmeiras and was a standout player in a Copa America campaign which Colombia lost against Argentina in the final, which Rios played 89 minutes in.
The report comes from Brazilian journalist Bruno Andrade, and is also rumoured to have interest from Everton, who are additionally looking at Arthur Melo.
The midfielder has a reported price tag between €15-€20 million, which could get inflated due to his recent international performances.
Inquiries have been made to Palmeiras but it is unlikely that this move will progress quickly. Leicester are a real candidate for this transfer so far, although we will have to wait and see where this goes.
Likelihood: 50%
David Carmo
Rumours have been flying around David Carmo since the summer transfer window opened from across Europe. The Angolan defender joined Greek side Olympiacos in January on loan from parent club Porto where he found his form and won the UEFA Conference League with them back in May.
The red and whites are looking to get him on a permanent deal, however, Porto has a market price of €12 million which could be out of reach for Olympiacos. Wolves have also shown an interest in him as a replacement for Max Kilman and Leicester City are also showing considerable interest in the player but neither side have made an official bid yet.
Carmo would like to return to the Conference League champions and help them in their Europa League campaign, on the other hand, Porto are looking increasingly unlikely that they are gonna sell him.
Whilst having a defender like Carmo is always a plus for a team like Leicester, it is not a need as they have already signed Caleb Okoli, and have multiple Centre-backs they can play if they need to during the season.
Likelihood: 25%
Oliver Skipp
A player in need of playing time at a Premier League level, Oliver Skipp is building up interest from the Foxes as another way to bolster their midfield options. The Foxes already have a good reputation with Tottenham, with both clubs doing deals for Harry Winks heading to the Midlands whilst James Maddison headed for North London.
Last season’s promotion rivals Leeds United had a bid rejected on July 17, with Daniel Farke wanting a reunion with the midfielder after a breakout loan spell at Championship side Norwich City whilst Farke was in charge. A move to Leeds can’t be ruled out, but reports detail that Skipp wants to play Premier League football and it’s unlikely that the player would want to play in the Championship once again.
On the other hand, reports from Sky Sports mention how Skipp’s homegrown status at Tottenham may mean that Spurs will push to keep him.
Skipp is the only established academy product left at the club after Harry Winks, Harry Kane and Japhet Tanganga left the club, although they have options currently in the academy such as Brandon Austin and Alfie Whiteman but whether they will get promoted to the first team is yet to be decided.
Skipp is in need of regular game time after only starting five games last season, especially with Archie Gray coming into the Tottenham squad, reducing Skipp’s playtime even more.
Steve Cooper and his side are able to give him that play time, but will likely need a big offer in order for Tottenham to let him go. This is a move that would be a good move for the club and player, but a bid may need to be £25-30 million for the Lilywhites to think about letting him go.
Likelihood: 40%
Alexis Saelemaekers
Another transfer rumour that has some stiff competition is that of AC Milan winger Alexis Saelemaekers. According to Football Italia, Leicester have submitted a bid for the left winger, with the offer being close to what Milan want for the player as negotiations are progressing.
The 25-year-old Belgian winger spent the last season at Serie A side Bologna, scoring 4 goals and 2 assists in 30 appearances for the club last season. He was purchased by Milan back in 2020 from RSC Anderlecht for €10.9 million.
However, the Foxes do face some fierce competition for Saelemaekers signature. Local rivals Nottingham Forest are also interested, as well as newly promoted Ipswich Town and West Ham United have also recently enquired about the player, according to reports from Italian news outlet Calcio Mercato.
Saelemaekers could never really be a breakout star at AC Milan, only grabbing 12 assists during his time in Italy. Whilst he would be a regular player for the Rossoneri, he would not be a part of the project at Milan, and is now looking for a move away.
Whilst the Foxes face some tough competition for Alexis Saelemaekers, this is a big move that could happen before the start of the season. A potential replacement for Matias Soule, Leicester need to make some good promises about his future, otherwise, the likes of West Ham and Nottingham Forest could steal the deal.
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