Leicester City are currently third in the Premier League and seem to be on course to finish in the top four. Last season, the Foxes dramatically spiralled out of contention from a similar position but manager Brendan Rodgers will be determined to not let that happen again.
In the summer, they are expected to bolster their attacking options, with Marseille winger Florian Thauvin being closely linked with a move to the King Power Stadium.
According to L’Equipe, Leicester City and Crystal Palace have begun negotiations to sign Florian Thauvin, whose contract with Marseille expires in June.
As things currently stand, Thauvin is settled in Marseille, and it remains to be seen if he is willing to take on a new adventure in England.
Can Florian Thauvin improve Leicester City?
Florian Thauvin is a decent attacking midfielder who fancies himself playing in the right midfield area. He is a versatile player and can play in midfield as well as in the forward line, on the right-hand side.
Looking at his career, he was a disappointment at Newcastle United due to high expectations. But since rejoining Marseille, he has slowly but surely resurrected his career and is considered an attractive proposition in France and in the Premier League as well.
Florian Thauvin had a controversial stay in Newcastle with outside chatter affecting his performances on the pitch but with more games and intermittent success under his belt, he is expected to have a calmer head on his shoulders now.
Leicester City play football on the front foot and any addition of a talented attacking player should be greeted by the management and the fans. But the Foxes are well stacked qualitywise, especially the first team, and the Frenchman will find it difficult to break into the starting eleven initially.
But he would definitely bring something new to the table. Harvey Barnes, on the opposite flank, has been a revelation this season but apart from James Maddison, the end product from the midfield is sparse, with Jamie Vardy and Kelechi Iheanacho shouldering most of the goal-scoring burden. Thauvin has 7 goals and 8 assists in 27 league games this season and can certainly aid Leicester in this department.
Dribbling and finishing are two of Thauvin’s most renowned qualities. His early career highlights were peppered with some important missed chances but with passing time, he has improved on that aspect and scores some crucial goals now which shows his improved temperament and confidence. When he plays on the right or through the middle, he enjoys making short passes and keeps the rhythm of the game going.
If Leicester City can land him as a free agent, it would be a good deal. It is also reported that he is still looking to renew the contract with Marseille. But, given their current standing, it would be difficult for them to grab a spot in Europe. So, a Champions League spot for Leicester is the only way to tempt him, something the Premier League side should try and do.
Stats Courtesy: Whoscored