Leicester: Mendy announced; fourth signing close; Wales international linked

Add as preferred source on Google

Leicester confirmed their third senior summer signing on Sunday, with Nampalys Mendy finally joining the champions after a long chase. He has previously worked with Claudio Ranieri at Monaco, and will add depth to the midfield. Although he is a similar player, he won’t be a direct replacement for N’Golo Kante, and if the Frenchman leaves, another midfielder is likely to come in. Mendy was the OGC Nice captain and was a major reason for their fourth place finish in Ligue 1. He had this to say on the official website about the move:

“I am very happy to come to Leicester City. The team have just enjoyed a great season and it’s excellent to be here. For me I want to play at this level. I like the Premier League and I follow every match. It’s fast and physical and I want to impose myself on the league. I know the coach (Claudio Ranieri), I know his mentality and I know his philosophy. When he speaks it’s direct and clear and for me I like this.”

He is the first addition this summer that is likely to be challenging for a first team place. Mendy is combative and full of energy, making him perfect for this Leicester team. He is a better passer than Kante and that should add a new dimension to the midfield. If they manage to keep Kante, which looks unlikely at the moment, they will have the option of playing three in midfield. This could be an effective tactic in the Champions League, allowing the club to dominate the midfield. However, it would ask a lot of Jamie Vardy, and it would require one of the midfielders to play a more offensive role – something that perhaps Kante, Mendy and Danny Drinkwater aren’t capable of doing.

Meanwhile, the next signing could be close, with Ahmed Musa believed to be close to a move, according to the Russian Press. The Leicester Mercury report that the deal is believed to be worth between £16-23million – a club record fee for Leicester City. They also mention quotes from Musa’s agent, which were carried by the BBC, stating that he is close to a move to an English club. He has been a long-term target for Leicester, and it appears the King Power Stadium will be his destination.

The Nigerian international has emerged as their main attacking target after failing to capture Troy Deeney, who has extended his contract with Watford. Musa will be an exciting signing, and one that offers Claudio Ranieri options in attack. He is capable of playing on either wing, behind the striker or as a central forward. Last season, he played mainly on the left wing or as a striker, the two positions held by Riyad Mahrez and Jamie Vardy in the Leicester side. It will be interesting where he is deployed for the Foxes, if he does sign as expected. Musa is a skilful, and pacy forward, and would provide a more dynamic option in attack. He could be used as a forward to partner Jamie Vardy, which would be interesting as they are similar players. Musa has more skill and is better on the ball though, and could be used as a withdrawn striker behind Vardy.

Another forward on Leicester’s radar is Euro 2016 sensation Hal Robson-Kanu according to Sky Sports. They report that they are one of the four Premier League clubs tracking the Welsh international, who is a free agent at the moment. He is the profile of striker that Leicester need, similar to main target Troy Deeney, as he is quick, strong and works hard. He was exceptional against Belgium, holding the ball up well and was intelligent in the way he used the ball. Robson-Kanu could be a great foil to Jamie Vardy, as he is more physical and battles hard in the final third.

Although he has been very effective for Wales, Leicester need to be wary of signing Robson-Kanu due to his performances at the European Championships. There have been many players signed off the back of a tournament and have proven to be underwhelming. The Wales forward wasn’t offered a new contract at Reading for a reason and Leicester would need to make sure he is suited to their needs before offering a contract. Saying that, he would be a relatively low risk signing and would be happy to play a squad role for the Foxes.

Featured image: All rights reserved by euronews