According to Spanish news outfit Sport, Barcelona’s Paco Alcacer has emerged as the latest transfer target for Leicester City. It is understood that the Foxes have inquired about the availability of the Spanish attacker but could face stiff competition from Premier League rivals Watford.
Although Alcacer has appeared determined at proving himself at Barcelona following a disastrous spell at Catalonia, he might have to depart the Camp Nou anyhow. He remains an outsider in Ernesto Valverde’s system and will only struggle to make it to the first team next season as well.
As a result, the 24-year-old is left with very little choice but to leave the club in order to get proper game time under his belt. Which has reportedly attracted the interest of Leicester City, who are keen on bolstering their attack this summer, following the departure of Riyad Mahrez.
Alcacer initially joined Barcelona in a £27m deal from Valencia back in 2016. He was coming on the back of a great season that saw him score 13 goals whilst mustering seven assists, ultimately saving Valencia’s awful season under Nuno Espirito Santo. However, since arriving at Catalonia, Alcacer has seen his first-team chances drastically decrease due to the presence of some of the most talented attackers in world football.
Simply put, competing with the likes of Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez for a place in the starting lineup proved too much for the Spaniard as he went on to make just 14 starts during his two seasons at the club. As a result, the 25-year-old has been left on the chopping blocks by Valverde ahead of the start of the new campaign.
This, however, could be a huge boost for Leicester City, who, as mentioned earlier, are keen to secure the services of a top-class attacker.
Jamie Vardy remains their only reliable option in the goal-scoring department with Islam Slimani and Kelechi Iheanacho both failing to play to their full potential in recent years. Additionally, the likes of Shinji Okazaki and Leonardo Ulloa are also expected to play a very little role under Puel next season. And the departure of Mahrez earlier this summer has only added salt to their wound.
Read more: Leicester City Looking To Recruit 25 Y/O Brazilian Free Agent: Right Fit For The Foxes?
Thus, the addition of Paco Alcacer could be imperative for the Foxes as they aim to make an impact in the Premier League in the forthcoming season. Despite his struggles in coping with the pressure at Barcelona, the Spaniard is a proven goalscorer, who is capable of making a huge impact at the King Power Stadium as the new season looms large.
