Leicester City Explore Last-Gasp Striker Deal That Hinges on Arsenal Transfer

As the summer transfer window reaches its final days, Leicester City are reportedly exploring a dramatic last-minute move to secure a new striker. The deal, however, is said to hinge on Arsenal’s ability to finalize their own transfer business before the deadline.

Leicester City, currently competing in the EFL Championship after their relegation from the Premier League last season, have made it clear that they need to strengthen their squad if they are to bounce back to the top flight. With the departure of some key players and the inconsistent form of their current forwards, the Foxes are in desperate need of a reliable goal-scorer to lead the line.

Manager Enzo Maresca, who took over the reins at Leicester in the summer, has been vocal about the club’s need to reinforce their attack. The Italian manager has been working closely with the club’s recruitment team to identify potential targets, but with the transfer window closing soon, time is running out to get a deal over the line.

The potential deal that Leicester City are pursuing is said to be closely linked to Arsenal’s transfer activities. Arsenal, who have had a busy summer window themselves, are looking to offload a few players to make room for new signings. One of the players who could be on the move is their young striker, Folarin Balogun.

Balogun, who spent last season on loan at French side Stade Reims, has been the subject of interest from several clubs across Europe. Despite his impressive performances in Ligue 1, where he scored 21 goals, Balogun has struggled to break into Mikel Arteta’s first team at Arsenal. With the Gunners already boasting a strong attacking lineup that includes Gabriel Jesus, Eddie Nketiah, and new signing Kai Havertz, Balogun’s opportunities at the Emirates have been limited.

Leicester City are reportedly keen on signing Balogun on loan, seeing him as the perfect fit for their needs. However, Arsenal are only willing to let Balogun leave if they can secure a replacement before the window closes. This has led to a complex transfer scenario, where Leicester’s hopes of signing the striker depend on Arsenal’s ability to complete their own business in time.

Arsenal have been linked with several forwards in recent weeks, as they look to add depth to their squad ahead of a demanding season that will see them compete in the Premier League, UEFA Champions League, and domestic cup competitions.

One of the names on Arsenal’s radar is Brentford’s Ivan Toney, who has emerged as a top target for the North London club. Toney, who was Brentford’s top scorer in the Premier League last season, is seen as an ideal addition to Arteta’s squad due to his physical presence, finishing ability, and Premier League experience. However, negotiations for Toney have been complicated, with Brentford demanding a substantial fee for their star player.

Another option Arsenal are reportedly considering is Jonathan David, the Canadian international who currently plays for Lille in Ligue 1. David has been in fine form for Lille, and his versatility as a forward makes him an attractive option for Arteta. However, Lille are reluctant to sell their prized asset, especially so late in the transfer window, which could make a deal difficult to finalize.

While Leicester City are hopeful of securing Balogun’s services, the club is also exploring other options should the Arsenal deal fall through. One of the players linked with a move to the King Power Stadium is Kelechi Iheanacho, who currently plays for Leicester’s first team but has been rumored to be on the way out.

Iheanacho, who joined Leicester from Manchester City in 2017, has had an inconsistent career with the Foxes. While he has shown flashes of brilliance, including a memorable goal against Manchester United last season, he has struggled to maintain a starting spot in the team. With Leicester’s relegation to the Championship, Iheanacho has reportedly expressed a desire to move on, but the club may decide to keep him if they cannot secure a suitable replacement.

Another name that has been mentioned is Rhian Brewster, the former Liverpool forward who is currently with Sheffield United. Brewster, who moved to Bramall Lane in 2020, has had a difficult time establishing himself in the Premier League and could be open to a move to Leicester, where he might get more regular playing time.

With the transfer window set to close in just a few days, Leicester City find themselves in a race against time to secure a new striker. The club’s management is working tirelessly to finalize a deal that would bolster their attack and improve their chances of securing promotion back to the Premier League.

Leicester fans will be eagerly watching the developments, hoping that the club can pull off a last-minute coup and bring in a quality striker to lead their promotion push. The outcome of this transfer saga could have a significant impact on Leicester’s season, as well as on Arsenal’s plans for the campaign ahead.

As the clock ticks down, the next few days will be crucial for both Leicester City and Arsenal. For Leicester, the signing of a new striker could be the difference between a successful promotion campaign and another year in the Championship. For Arsenal, securing the right additions to their squad will be key to their ambitions of challenging for silverware on multiple fronts.

Both clubs will need to act swiftly and decisively if they are to achieve their goals in the final hours of the transfer window.