Leicester City are closing in on the £1.7 million transfer of Inter Milan midfielder Stefano Sensi, according to journalist Fabrizio Romano.
The Foxes have been heavily linked with the Italian international throughout the month, although it was reported earlier this week that they had been dealt a blow in their pursuit of the player. It was alleged by Gazzetta dello Sport that recent suspensions handed to Nicolo Barella and Hakan Calhanoglu meant that the Serie A club were considering keeping hold of the the 28-year-old to cover the gap left by the duo.
Manager Enzo Maresca has been searching frantically for midfield cover due to the injury of Wilfred Ndidi, whilst Cesare Casadei was recalled from his season-long loan deal early by parent club Chelsea.
Sensi has fallen out of favour at the 2023 Champions League finalists, making just four appearances this season in all competitions. He has just 28 minutes of league action to his name and will see his contract at the San Siro expire at the end of the campaign.
As such, Inter are looking at selling this month to avoid losing him for free in the summer. Leicester’s interest has been widely reported, with Fabrizio Romano confirming the Championship leaders were working on a permanent deal earlier this month.
🚨🔵 Understand Leicester City are now closing in on Stefano Sensi deal.
There’s green light to proceed in final stages of negotiations with Inter for fee close to €2m.
It’s just about final details then the deal can be completed. pic.twitter.com/8TE2rhdLvv
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) January 25, 2024
The renowned journalist now states that the deal is now in its final stages, with the fee set to be around €2 million (£1.7 million).
The midfielder joined Inter on loan from Sassuolo in 2019 on a season-long loan deal with an option to buy. He completed his permanent move the following summer and has made 56 appearances for the club since.
Maresca will be overjoyed to land one of his primary transfer targets and will be hoping he will be available to feature in Leicester’s next league fixture against Swansea City next Tuesday. Despite picking up one point from their last two outings, they remain seven points clear at the top of the table and an immediate return to the Premier League looks a formality.
Writer’s View
Enzo Maresca would have been hoping that this deal would have been completed by now, but it will still be a relief to have got it over the line. Although regular first team football has been at a premium, Sensi is a player that will offer quality to Leicester’s midfield and it is a signing with the long-term in mind.
The future of Ndidi is still in doubt, with the 27-year-old out of contract in the summer. Whilst Barcelona are thought to be sniffing around, the Foxes will be confident they can get the midfielder to commit his future to the club should they return to the top tier as expected. In the meantime, Sensi is more than capable of filling the void.
