Ryan Nolan (Image credit: Google)
According to The Sun, Leicester City are considering a move for Arezzo and Ireland youngster Ryan Nolan ahead of the new campaign.
The report suggests that the Foxes could face competition to secure the youngster’s services as relegated side Norwich City and Blackburn Rovers are also keen on signing him. It also claims that the third-tier Italian outfit are willing to sell Nolan despite him having two more years left on his contract with the club.
Born in Ireland, he began his career with Torre Pacheco in Spain before joining Inter Milan’s youth system in the summer of 2015. He made over 100 appearances for the club’s youth sides and also won the Italian Youth league twice. He was also promoted to the first-team squad under former Inter boss Luciano Spalleti but was sent on loan once Antonio Conte took charge.
He was then signed by Arezzo before immediately being sent to Giana Erminio. Nolan has represented Ireland at youth levels from U16 to U18 and is highly rated. However, with Arezzo willing to sell him, Leicester City should secure his services.
After a disappointing end to their league campaign, where the Foxes finished outside the Champions League qualification spot, it is clear that they are in dire need of reinforcements for the future. And one key area the manager should focus on strengthening is the backline.
Caglar Soyuncu and Jonny Evans have been regular starters throughout the campaign and have done a decent job. They managed to concede just 41 goals in 38 games and helped them to a 5th place finish. However, Evans is already 32 and reaching the twilight of his career.
Filip Benkovic and Wes Morgan are the two other central defenders available at Brendan Rodgers disposal. But Morgan is already 36 and wouldn’t have much to offer in the future. This leaves them with just two young defenders in the squad. Thus, they should consider signing a centre-back for the future.
In that regard, Nolan could be a useful signing for the club. The Irish youngster has done a decent job so far and could be a replacement for Morgan or Evans in the future. He may not be among the best in his age group but the youngster has already shown potential.
He is just 21 and has a lot of room for development. And if he is able to develop under the guidance of Rodgers, he could go on to fight for a place in the team and represent them in the long run.
With Morgan and Evans reaching the rear end of their careers, Leicester are in dire need of centre-backs for the future. They have limited options at the back and thus, making a move for Nolan would help them reap rewards in the future.
