Why Leicester City should plot a January swoop for Arkadiusz Milik

Back in May 2016, the Express had claimed that Leicester City were interested in signing Polish striker Arkadiusz Milik, who was then playing for Ajax. However, a deal didn’t go through and he instead joined Napoli that summer.

Arkadiusz Milik, 25, arrived at Napoli amidst a lot of fanfare but he has been beset by injury problems – limiting him to just seven starts in Serie A across his opening two campaigns. However, he did enjoy a solid season in Naples last campaign, bagging 17 goals and two assists in 35 league appearances.

The Poland international played the last two games for Napoli after recovering from a groin problem that saw him miss the club’s first three Serie A games as well as the 2-0 victory over Liverpool in the Champions League.

With summer signing Fernando Llorente performing really well and Dries Mertens already a regular fixture in Carlo Ancelotti’s starting XI, Milik faces a challenge to cement his place in the team.

Having said that, the January transfer window would be the right time for Leicester City to reignite their interest in Milik.

Jamie Vardy has been brilliant under the tutelage of Brendan Rodgers, scoring goals left, right and centre since the Northern Irishman’s appointment in the second half of last season.

The former England international has arguably been the club’s most important player for quite a few years now and despite his regular flow of goals, the fact that he’s already 32 should be enough motivation for Rodgers to start plotting his long-term replacement.

Kelechi Iheanacho has failed to live up to the billing at the King Power Stadium, while Shinji Okazaki was released at the end of last season. Ayoze Perez, who joined from Newcastle United in the summer, has blown hot and cold and cannot be relied upon for the regular supply of goals.

Thus, it makes complete sense for Leicester to move for Milik, who is assured to have a massive future ahead of him.

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Milik is a clinical finisher in front of goal and will provide Rodgers with a different option to try out.

Blessed with a lethal left foot, heading ability, positional awareness, technique and spatial intelligence, the Pole has all the required ingredients to take the Premier League by storm. The former Ajax man makes it up for his lack of pace with solid technique and body control.

Verdict

A leader on and off the pitch, Milik would be an excellent fit at the King Power Stadium. Also, the Foxes will finally get a long-term replacement for Vardy, who has already achieved legendary status at the club.