Leicester have reportedly identified Watford forward, Troy Deeney, as a replacement for Riyad Mahrez as the 26-year-old’s move to Arsenal edges closer.
- Arsenal close in on Mahrez as Lacazette completes medical
- Mahrez to Arsenal announcement ‘imminent’
- Leicester look to Watford’s Deeney to bolster attack after Mahrez leaves
With Mahrez allegedly set to sign for Arsenal this week, Leicester have their work cut out finding a decent replacement before the new season starts.
The Foxes are reportedly eyeing Deeney, who scored 10 Premier League goals and assisted once for Watford last season.
Leicester had a £25m bid for the striker rejected last summer but it’s thought that new manager, Craig Shakespeare, is an admirer and will return with £20m.
The 29-year-old isn’t the most obvious replacement for Mahrez, not least because they play in different positions.
While Mahrez can play as a second striker, he’s primarily a wide man. Deeney, on the other hand, is a centre-forward. Therefore, if Leicester are looking to bring the Watford man on board, it’ll most likely just be to bolster their attack in the absence of Mahrez rather than a like-for-like replacement.