According to Italian outlet TuttoMercatoWeb, Leicester City have prioritised the signing of Gil Vicente centre-back Gabriel Pereira.
Leicester City are on their way to the Premier League after overcoming a dip in form to win the Championship title with four games to spare.
The Foxes lost at Blackburn Rovers on the last day, but Enzo Maresca’s team had already secured the league title, with Ipswich Town finishing second.
Those at the King Power Stadium have a significant summer ahead of them. The goal will be to strengthen where possible, but with PSR issues looming, costs will need to be kept low and vital assets sold.
However, rumors of a key summer goal have emerged in reports from abroad.
Italian outlet According to TuttoMercatoWeb, Leicester City has identified centre-back Gabriel Pereira of Portuguese side Gil Vicente as a priority transfer target.
The Foxes aren’t the only ones interested, though. While Udinese in Serie A is interested, Portuguese teams Benfica and Braga, as well as French club Lyon, are also interested.
More about Pereira…
Pereira is a 24-year-old Brazilian centre back who can also play defensive midfield if necessary.
He began his career in Brazil before transferring on loan to the Portuguese club Vilafranquense. They signed him on a permanent basis, and half a season later, top-tier club Gil Vicente acquired him.
Pereira has become an influential player and a regular in the starting lineup.
Pereira’s transfer to Leicester City would present a new challenge. A move to the Premier League would cap off a rapid journey to the top, having only reached the top tier of Portuguese football less than 18 months ago.
Leicester City’s Center-Back Options
It appears that Leicester City will be looking for another centre-back this summer.
Jannik Vestergaard’s contract is up, and it remains to be seen whether he will sign fresh terms. Callum Doyle, who has primarily played at left-back, is returning to Manchester City.
That leaves Wout Faes, Conor Coady, and Harry Souttar, the latter two of whom Maresca has scarcely utilized this season.
As a result, it appears doubtful that they will become regulars once promoted to a higher level, perhaps opening the door for a new signing like Pereira to come in and grab a spot in the team.
