Arsenal dealt final blow: Premier League title rivals complete move for Wenger’s hotshot target
Sep 1, 2016 at 2:14 AM
Leicester City have confirmed that they have signed Sporting Lisbon striker Islam Slimani on a five year contract that runs till 2021.
✅ DONE DEAL! Algeria striker @slimaniislam completes a #DeadlineDay move to Leicester City. #WelcomeSlimani pic.twitter.com/uA9reEVsjd
— Leicester City (@LCFC) August 31, 2016
Islam Slimani is one of the highly rated strikers in Portugal as the Algerian international have scored an impressive 32 goals in 42 games for both club and country last season. The performances meant he has attracted interest from a host of Premier clubs which include Arsenal, West Ham, West Brom and Everton.
Leicester City who are set to play their first Champions League in their history are keen to add more striking force in their squad as they can’t play Jamie Vardy in each and every game as it is going to be the longest season for the Foxes. The 28-year old would be a perfect addition to the squad in what could be one of the deadliest striking duos in Premier League this season.
In his first interview to LCFC TV, Slimani said: “To join a team like Leicester City is a huge honour and I can’t wait to get started. I’ve always wanted to play my football in the Premier League and to get the opportunity to do that with the reigning champions was something I simply could not turn down.”
The Algerian international has been the target man for Sporting Lisbon during his three year spell as he helped the club finish third in one season and as runners up in two seasons. He have scored an impressive 57 goals for the Lisbon based club from 2013 to 2016.
The addition of Slimani could however change the dynamics of Leicester City as they have two natural strikers coupled with Riyad Mahrez as they could keep two strikers upfront. Raneiri could offer a direct striker role to Slimani than a role that Okazaki is currently playing.