Chelsea face Leicester City threat for Jonathan Ikone
According to French publication Le10 Sports (h/t Football.london), Chelsea are set to face off against Leicester City for Jonathan Ikone.
The Lille striker could be the latest name to leave Les Dogues this summer. They have already lost Victor Osimhen to Napoli while Arsenal are on the verge of signing Gabriel Magalhaes.
The Frenchman is keen on a new challenge and would welcome a move away. Lille for their part are also ready to part with the French international.
The 22-year-old scored four goals and seven assists in 36 appearances for Lille before the French domestic season was cut short due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The youngster was initially at the PSG academy. He spent eight seasons with the French champions but made just seven appearances. Ikone failed to score even once for the French giants and spent two seasons out on loan at SC Montpellier.
He eventually joined Lille in the summer of 2018. It proved to be an inspired decision as he thrived in his new surroundings. In the two tears since, he has made 77 appearances while making 24 goal contributions
His impressive performance also saw him get called up to the French senior team in 2019. Ikone made an instant mark as he came off the bench to score in the 4-1 win over Albania. He has since made three more appearances for the world champions.
An alternative no more
It was suggested that Ikone could be an alternative to German sensation Kai Havertz. However, the way things are going, Chelsea could land both players this summer.
Ikone played against us last season in the Champions League. Although he showed good potential, his lack of end product is a weakness. Given his age, he has plenty of time to fine-tune it.
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Inter Milan are also keen on the Frenchman. While he may not be the best young French talent out there, there is enough potential for him to become an excellent player.
With the Blues going big on Havertz and Chilwell, signing Ikone would be more of a luxury than a necessity.