Leicester City is reportedly eyeing a player likened to Barcelona legend Xavi, a move that could significantly enhance their chances of avoiding Premier League relegation.
New Leicester City manager Steve Cooper had a positive start, as the Foxes secured a 2-1 victory over Villarreal in their first pre-season friendly on Saturday.
Two key players from their Championship-winning squad, Jamie Vardy and Stephy Mavididi, found the net in the match.
The closed-door friendly against the La Liga side likely gave Cooper valuable insights into his new team and the areas that need strengthening this summer.
The club is now linked with Arthur, a Brazilian midfielder who has received praise from Lionel Messi during his time at Barcelona and is currently not in his club’s future plans.
Arthur, who has previously played for Barcelona, Liverpool, and Juventus, is believed to be a transfer target for Leicester, which is prioritizing a left-back, center-midfielder, winger, and striker this summer.
While many assumed the new midfielder would replace the departed Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall with an attack-minded player, Cooper’s formation against Villarreal suggests a different approach.
Leicester appears to be targeting Arthur as a more defensive midfielder. According to Gianluca Di Marzio, “Arthur is an idea from Como. The newly promoted club in Serie A is carrying out a large market and has targeted the Brazilian midfielder, who returned to Juventus after the loan to Fiorentina last season.”
The report further highlights Leicester’s interest: “The operation, however, is not easy. Given the high salary of the former Barcelona player, Como could only proceed if Juventus contributed. The 1996 class is also followed abroad and especially appeals to Everton and Leicester City.”
Arthur needs to revive his career after moving from Gremio to Barcelona in 2018, where he has since struggled to secure a regular spot. Despite his talent and Messi’s high praise comparing him to Xavi, Arthur’s career has been inconsistent.
After two years at Barcelona, he moved to Juventus but was loaned to Liverpool for the 2022/23 season, where he made just one appearance. Last season, Arthur was loaned to Fiorentina and played 48 games in all competitions, showing a return to form that has attracted Leicester’s attention.
Arthur has been left out of Juventus’ pre-season tour, making him available for transfer, and Leicester might be the club to offer him a new opportunity.
