While Leicester City might be rejoicing after the sudden goal-scoring comeback of Jamie Vardy, their inability to score freely in the league this season cannot be overlooked. Despite bringing in the likes of Ahmed Musa and Islam Slimani to beef up their attacking options, the Foxes have only netted 21 times so far.
Nampalys Mendy, who rode the hype of being the ideal replacement for Kanté, hasn’t even played a single match owing to injury. The fact that they are lacking a sharp option up front is quite visible and if reports are to be believed, the Foxes are scouting Serie A striker Gregoire Defrel. According to Talk Sport, Leicester City’s head of recruitment, Eduardo Macia, had taken a personal visit to check in on the target this week.
He was spotted at Monday’s game between Fiorentina and Sassuolo, the latter being Italian club where Defrel is playing for the past two seasons. Defrel’s form has attracted interest from both Liverpool and Leicester, but it is the Foxes who are likely to gear up their pursuit ahead of the January transfer window.
Italian news agency firenzeviola.it claimed that the former Valencia sporting director has been closely following the 25-year-old attacking midfielder and could make an early move in January obliterating other competition. Sassuolo’s director general Giovanni Carnevali had also reportedly revealed that they have already had enquiries from England and the Italian club are expecting many more offers for their midfielder in the New Year.
Defrel has scored six goals this season and registered one assist. He has a shot accuracy of 67%. He could play as an attacking midfielder as well as a striker and Ranieri desperately needs such a candidate to make his counter attacks more free-flowing and lethal. Defrel has an average of 84% passing accuracy and 60% shot accuracy and his biggest attribute is his defensive contributions.
At 180cms, the French international is an ideal midfield candidate who loves to tackle and barge forward with agility. He likes to take long shots when given space and it could be really helpful for Leicester, who have the likes of Vardy and Slimani up front waiting to pounce on every chance.
Leicester have had a strange campaign so far. While they have been tremendously poor in the league after winning the title last season, their debut Champions League campaign have been brilliant with the team qualifying for the top spot.
As the team goes into the second phase of the season, where the matches intensify and the UCL knockout stages start in two months, Ranieri could really do with an attacker like Defrel.
