Leicester are interested in ‘£39m-man Azzedine Ounahi’ after helping Morocco make history in Qatar

Leicester are interested in a move for Moroccan World Cup hero Azzedine Ounahi, who impressed for the Atlas Lions enough to earn a reported £39.5million valuation. 

The midfielder played every game for his country in Qatar, and has drawn the eye of numerous clubs including the Foxes, prompting current side Angers to increase their asking price for the 22-year-old. 

He has also emerged as one of the breakthrough stars of the World Cup – and even saw Arsenal legend Ray Parlour implore his former side to make a move for the Moroccan – and starred in a side that became the first African team to make the last four. 

There is believed to be interest from the Premier League side in his services, although it is unclear whether it is strong enough to part with £39m for a player that is otherwise unproven outside of Qatar. 

Leicester’s budget is thought to be tight, with the club only making one out field signing last summer in the shape of Belgian defender Wout Faes, which would make a deal for such a sum unlikely.  

The player is reportedly keen to move from the Ligue 1 strugglers after his exploits on the World stage, and Angers are willing to listen to offers in January. 

Despite a starring role at the World Cup for the Atlas Lions Ounahi’s club Angers are bottom of Ligue 1

However, for the move to be successful they are thought to be keen for the player to return to France to see out the remainder of the 2022-23 season. 

Despite his starring role in what was a historic World Cup campaign, Ounahi is yet to score or assist in 24 games for club and country this term. 

Another player the club are keen on is Atalanta’s Ivorian winger Jeremie Boga, who left Chelsea’s Under-23s back in 2018 to move to Sassuolo.

Jeremie Boga has also emerged as a potential loan target for Leicester although finances are tight at the KP Stadium

Boga has struggled for game time in Italy since arriving at Atalanta after an initial loan spell last term, and has played only 74 minutes so far this season, but the Foxes are keen to take him on loan bolster their own ranks.

Leicester could however face a battle to keep in-demand midfielder Youri Tielemans, who will become a free agent at the end of the season.

Tielemans has established himself as one of Leicester’s key stars, but the club have proven as yet unable to tie him down to an extended contract, with Arsenal reportedly keen on his services.  

Brendan Rodgers’ side made only one outfield signing in the last transfer window – Wout Faes