Report: Leicester City Receive Boost as Premier League Rival Distances Themselves from Steve Cooper’s Target
Leicester City Receive Transfer Boost as Everton Backs Away from Steve Cooper's Summer Target
The King Power Stadium has seen significant changes this summer, starting with the appointment of Steve Cooper as Leicester City’s manager.
Cooper replaced Enzo Maresca, who departed for Chelsea after leading the Foxes to Premier League promotion. Leicester’s owner, Aiyawatt Srivaddhanaprabha, moved quickly to appoint Cooper, who took over on June 20th.
Cooper got his first look at his new squad during Leicester’s pre-season friendly against Villarreal last week. Three of Leicester’s four new summer signings played in that game, with Bobby De Cordova-Reid being the only absentee.
Everton Boosts Leicester City’s Arthur Melo Pursuit
Despite the managerial change, Leicester has been proactive in completing much of their summer transfer business early. However, further signings are anticipated before the transfer deadline on August 30th, with Arthur Melo being a potential addition.
Italian journalist Gianluca Di Marzio recently reported that both Leicester and Everton were interested in the Brazilian midfielder.Now, The Athletic has provided an update that favors Leicester.
They report that Arthur is deemed surplus to requirements at Juventus, who are looking to offload him permanently. Importantly, Everton has distanced themselves from pursuing the South American.
Can Arthur Melo Replace Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall?
After selling Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall to Chelsea for £30 million, Leicester finds itself lacking quality in the midfield. Dewsbury-Hall was a standout performer in the 2023/24 season, scoring 12 goals and providing 14 assists in 44 Championship appearances.
His presence in midfield will be sorely missed, and it remains to be seen if Arthur Melo can fill that void.
Arthur, 27, had a promising start to his European career with FC Barcelona before moving to Juventus in a high-profile transfer. However, his stock has declined over recent years, especially after making just one senior appearance during a loan spell with Liverpool in the 2022/23 season.
Last term, Arthur featured 48 times on loan at Fiorentina, scoring twice and assisting four times.
