Leicester City are reportedly close to signing Atalanta full-back Timothy Castagne, as they have agreed a fee with Atalanta for the Belgian ace, and he has passed his medical.
The Foxes sold Chilwell to Chelsea for a fee of £45.18million and needed to sign someone to take the England international’s place next season.
As per Leicester Mercury, Leicester have agreed a £18million fee, that could further rise to £21.5 million, to sign Castagne who has penned a five-year deal with the club.
His versatility means Castagne can play at left-back as well, and he Leicester have got their man for less than half the fee they received from the sale of Chilwell.
Castagne to Leicester City: A smart move by the Foxes?
Ben Chilwell was an important figure for the club, and Leicester have to ensure that his departure does not hit the club hard next season.
The full-backs – Chilwell and Ricardo Pereira – were key players in Brendan Rodgers’ setup, and the club need to sign similar players to add more depth to their squad as the duo’s absence towards the end of last season perhaps dragged the club below the top four.
Timothy Castagne had a solid season with Atalanta, and played a key role in the team’s run to the quarterfinals of the Champions League, and a top-three finish in the Serie A.
A player who likes to maraud forward at every given opportunity, Castagne can do a good job in the attacking half with his short-passing. Chilwell’s crossing often create chances for Leicester last season, and the team might not get that with Castagne as he is a right-footed player; one of the drawbacks of playing a right-back on the opposite flank.
His defensive contributions and tackling were impressive for Atalanta, and he will definitely not fall short on those accounts. He also stands in at an impressive 185cm, slightly taller than Chilwell, and is good in aerial duels.
Castagne performed well in an aggressive and free-flowing Atalanta outfit, and so he may not take long to settle in at King Power Stadium. However, he is best used in his more natural role.
This potential transfer should not be viewed as a direct replacement for Chilwell, but one that would provide more depth and competition to Ricardo at right-back. Castagne’s can also potentially fill in on the right-wing, so his versatility will be good for Leicester.
The club should perhaps look at a natural left-back to replace Chilwell, and considering they have received good money from his sale, perhaps signing Castagne and another left-back would strengthen the squad and is the right way to move forward.
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