Leicester City’s transfer plans have been handed a major blow after it was revealed French outfit Lille are also interested in Bournemouth winger Arnaut Danjuma.
What’s the story?
The Foxes have been linked with a move for the 24-year-old gem in recent weeks as Brendan Rodgers looks to bolster his first-team squad, but acquiring his services may have become much harder.
That’s because Ligue 1 champions Lille are reportedly keen to bring in Danjuma as Jonathan Ikone edges towards the exit door, according to TEAMTalk.
Rodgers will be gutted
The Dutchman had a magnificent 2020/21 campaign for the Cherries, bagging 17 goals and providing eight assists as he made 37 appearances in all competitions.
Danjuma’s impressive performances fired Bournemouth to the play-off semi-finals, earning praise from their interim head coach Jonathan Woodgate.
“I know last season that he didn’t really get a run in the Premier League and he maybe found it a bit difficult to get game time, but this season he’s been outstanding,” said Woodgate.
However, his standout displays weren’t enough to secure the south coast club promotion back to the Premier League, and he could be set to depart after just two years at the Vitality Stadium.
Danjuma is believed to have attracted the attention of several top-flight sides in England, with Southampton, Brighton, Watford, Wolves and West Ham United all credited with an interest alongside Leicester.
But the latest revelation regarding Lille’s admiration for the skilful forward will surely leave Rodgers feeling gutted.
The Stade Pierre Mauroy outfit will be able to offer the former Club Brugge star Champions League football next term, something the Midlands outfit narrowly missed out on themselves.
Leicester are thought to be keen on adding an extra option out wide over the coming months as Harvey Barnes continues to recover from a serious knee injury, and Danjuma was high up on Rodgers’ wish list.
After Bournemouth forked out around £13.5 million for his services two summers ago, a £20m price tag has now been slapped on the winger’s head as the Cherries look to secure a healthy profit.
Danjuma would undoubtedly add something extra to Leicester’s squad should he arrive at the King Power Stadium ahead of next season given his goals and assists in the Championship, although that prospect has suddenly become far less likely.
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