Leicester City’s dream run in the Premier League has put them within touching distance of the title. After a crucial win over Sunderland, the Foxes have officially secured qualification for next season’s UEFA Champions League, unlocking a windfall of European prize money that will help fuel their summer transfer plans.
According to recent reports, Leicester has set its sights on three Serie A players: Keisuke Honda and Manuel Locatelli from AC Milan, and Simone Zaza from Juventus. The club’s interest in Honda is hardly surprising. Leicester already boasts Japanese international Shinji Okazaki, who joined last summer for €10 million and has since scored five goals, playing a vital role in the club’s historic campaign. Bringing in Honda could create a dynamic “Japanese duo” in the Premier League—one with Champions League exposure and strong fan appeal.
Honda has been in excellent form for AC Milan. Since breaking into the starting lineup late last year, he has made 26 Serie A appearances and become a trusted player under coach Siniša Mihajlović. Leicester scouts were recently spotted in the stands during Milan’s match against Juventus, reportedly keeping close tabs on Honda, Locatelli, and Zaza. Among the three, Honda remains their top target.
With AC Milan likely to undergo a managerial change this summer, Honda’s future at San Siro has become increasingly uncertain. His contract expires next summer, and with no renewal talks currently underway, Leicester could secure the midfielder at a bargain price. The chance to link up with Okazaki and feature in the Champions League might just be enough to convince Honda to make the switch.
Meanwhile, Locatelli has also caught Leicester’s eye. Born in January 1998, the young midfielder has been praised for his passing vision and calmness under pressure. Often compared to Andrea Pirlo, Locatelli excels in the deep-lying playmaker role and is seen as one of Milan’s brightest prospects. Though Arsenal has previously shown interest, Leicester is now among the clubs competing for his signature. However, Milan’s owner Silvio Berlusconi has publicly stated that the club has no intention of letting go of the talented youngster.
As for Juventus forward Simone Zaza, Leicester is reportedly considering him as a potential addition to strengthen their attack. With Jamie Vardy and Shinji Okazaki currently leading the front line, bringing in Zaza would offer Claudio Ranieri more firepower and squad depth heading into a demanding Champions League campaign.
Should the moves materialize, Leicester’s ambition to evolve from Premier League underdogs to European contenders will be further solidified. For fans following international transfer buzz and rising Asian stars in European football, Jeetbuzz App Download continues to provide in-depth coverage of every strategic move.