Leicester City have made a substantial offer for Alexis Saelemaekers, according to reports from Italy, and are nearing AC Milan’s asking price. This development could lead the Foxes to abandon their pursuit of Matias Soule from Juventus.
The Belgian international recently returned to Milan after a loan spell at Bologna, where he scored four goals and provided three assists in 32 competitive appearances. Despite expectations that Bologna would make the move permanent, the club decided against it following the appointment of new coach Vincenzo Italiano.
Transfer expert Gianluigi Longari from Sportitalia reports that Leicester City’s bid for Saelemaekers is very close to Milan’s valuation. Negotiations are ongoing to bridge the minor differences between the two clubs. The next step will be for Leicester City to persuade the 25-year-old winger to make the switch to the Premier League.
Saelemaekers operates primarily as a right-sided winger, similar to Soule. This suggests that Leicester might prefer to secure the Belgian, who comes with a more manageable price tag compared to the Argentine. Soule, who is also on Roma’s radar, would cost Leicester significantly more.
Milan originally signed Saelemaekers from RSC Anderlecht in 2020 for €10.9 million on a contract running until June 2026. The Rossoneri are reportedly seeking a similar fee for his transfer now. Saelemaekers has shown moments of brilliance during his time at Milan, contributing 10 goals and 14 assists in 140 competitive matches, but his consistency has been questioned.
Leicester’s interest in Saelemaekers reflects their strategic planning for the upcoming season. If they manage to secure his services, it could significantly bolster their attacking options. Meanwhile, Milan may view this sale as an opportunity to balance their squad and finances.
As the transfer window progresses, Leicester City fans will be keenly watching the developments, hopeful that Saelemaekers’ potential move to the Premier League will come to fruition.
