Leicester City have reportedly submitted a €25m (£21m) bid for Juventus attacker Matias Soule.
Following their promotion to the Premier League as Championship winners last season, the Foxes are expanding their scouting network to players who impressed in some of Europe's top division during the 2023-24 term.
Soule fits that description well, with the 21-year-old enjoying a stellar loan spell at Italian side Frosinone, who were relegated to Serie B.
Despite this, the Argentina Under-20 international was a shining light during his time at Stadio Benito Stirpe, netting 11 goals and providing three assists in 36 league appearances.
After impressing on loan, Soule has returned to Juventus for pre-season and is part of Thiago Motta's squad as they prepare for the 2024-25 term.
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Leicester 'submit' bid for Juventus star Soule
According to Italian outlet La Gazzetta dello Sport, Leicester have made the first official move in the race for the services of Soule this summer.
The report claims that the newly-promoted Foxes have submitted an offer worth €25m (£21m) plus add-ons for the 21-year-old, who has never played professional club football outside of Italy.
It is understood that Juventus are not satisfied with Leicester's approach, though, and it has been suggested that the Old Lady are looking for an up-front payment of €30m (£25.2m) plus add-ons.
Personal terms between Steve Cooper's side and Soule are not expected to be a problem, with the winger already supposedly saying yes to a move to the King Power Stadium.
It is currently unclear whether Leicester will put together an improved offer or walk away from a possible deal in order to pursue more cost-effective options in that position.
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West Ham United, Roma also keen on Soule?
Keenly aware of Soule's talents and ability to score goals in Serie A, Juventus are trying to avoid the sale of the youngster to an Italian rival.
As a result, the Old Lady are hoping to keep discussions open with Leicester's Premier League counterparts West Ham, who have expressed an interest in the attacker.
It is believed that new Juve boss Motta wants to keep Soule in the first-team plans for the new season, however the 36-time Italian champions need to raise funds for incomings during this window.
Leicester-linked Soule could feature for Juventus in their first pre-season contest next Friday, when Motta's troops face Bundesliga 2 outfit Nuremberg.
Carter White
