Leicester City now look set to miss out on one of their Premier League transfer targets.
Steve Cooper is gearing up for his first season as Leicester City manager after replacing Enzo Maresca in the dugout.
The former Nottingham Forest man faces the tough task of keeping the Foxes in the Premier League in 2024/25.
So far, the Midlands outfit have struggled to strengthen their squad with a lot of quality additions.
Michael Golding joined from Chelsea but is only 18 years of age and is not expected to be a regular starter next term.
Bobby De Cordova-Reid is a solid addition but not a standout signing who will be able to help the Foxes stave off relegation by himself.
Abdul Fatawu and Caleb Okoli have also signed but, for the most part, the club’s summer business has been nothing to write home about.
Chelsea striker David Fofan has been linked with Leicester but again, he is largely unproven in the Premier League, and using him as their main number nine could cost Cooper and co.
Leicester City set to miss out on Premier League transfer target
In a bid to improve his squad further this summer, Cooper wants Leicester to strengthen in three positions before deadline day on August 30th.
A new striker, a central midfielder, and a number 10 are all understood to be priorities for the manager.
Arthur Melo has been linked to Leicester and would add some much-needed experience at the base of their midfield.
Further forward, meanwhile, the Premier League outfit were looking to solve their attacking issues last month when it was reported Leicester had opened talks with Arsenal for Reiss Nelson.
Now, The Athletic have provided a fresh update on the Foxes’ pursuit of the Arsenal winger and it is not good news.
It is claimed Leicester enquired about signing Nelson but it was quickly apparent that the Englishman was out of their budget.
Cooper is likely to face the same issue with similar targets, including Liverpool’s Fabio Carvalho.
Leicester City must find Reiss Nelson alternative
Should Nelson have signed for Leicester, he would have given Cooper’s squad a major boost.
He is a versatile option who can provide quality cover in a number of positions across the forward line.
The 24-year-old has also received high praise from Gunners manager Mikel Arteta, who labelled him as ‘important’ last year, as per the Independent.
Now though, Leicester are currently set to go into their opening Premier League game of 2024/25 with very limited attacking options.
Stephy Mavididi and Bobby De Cordova-Reid have operated in the number 10 role in pre-season but to limited success.
Cooper’s men have lost their last two friendly meetings and more concerningly, failed to score in either game.
As a result, with a move for Nelson not on the cards, it is apparent Leicester must look to sign another creative attacker before the window slams shut later this month.