Leicester City are advancing in talks to sign Inter Milan midfielder Stefano Sensi, according to Fabrizio Romano.
Enzo Maresca’s side suffered a blow earlier today as Chelsea recalled Italian midfielder Cesare Casadei from his loan deal early, after the player made 25 appearances in all competitions so far this campaign. The Foxes have been eyeing Sensi since the beginning of the window, and are now looking to close the deal.
The deal will be a permanent transfer, and not a loan deal. Both clubs are now locked in talks to try and finalise a deal that will see the player join the Championship club as a direct replacement for the outgoing Chelsea loanee. The side from the King Power Stadium currently sit top of the league and look to be heading for an immediate return to the Premier League.
Sensi has struggled for game time at Inter so far this season, featuring just four times and playing a total of 68 minutes. He has a current market value of £3.4 million according to Transfermarkt, but Di Marzio states that Leicester will pay less than that at around £1.7 million.
https://twitter.com/FabrizioRomano/status/1748382812091093216
The Italian has featured for his nation nine times, scoring on three occasions within those games. With 142 appearances in the Serie A, the Foxes are getting a highly experienced midfielder.
Maresca is aiming to get a deal done as soon as possible, with his side set for a huge clash next Monday against Ipswich Town. A win would open up a 10 point gap between the two sides, which would be a huge lead going into the second portion of the season as they aim for promotion back to the Premier League.
A verbal agreement has been reached between the two sides, and the deal is now just waiting to be confirmed officially. According to Di Marzio’s report, the East Midlands outfit are awaiting a reply from the English FA to find out whether they can register a new signing straight after a departure.
Writer’s View
Sensi was highly regarded during his spell with Sassuolo back in 2018/19, but injuries have since derailed his progression. If the Foxes can keep the Italian fit, they have a top player on their hands that can definitely fill the gap left by Casadei’s loan departure.
Maresca has an eye for talent after his time working under Pep Guardiola at Manchester City, and he will have spent a lot of time identifying to right player to come into this club within this window.
