Leicester City are involved in a potential transfer duel with West Ham in the pursuit of West Brom attacker Matheus Pereira.
According to journalist Pedro Almeida, Leicester City and West Ham are about to go head to head in the race to sign Matheus Pereira. The West Brom attacker has emerged as a target for Premier League outfits following his club’s relegation, while he is also courted by Saudi Arabian side Al-Hilal.
West Ham and Leicester City do have the upper hand, though, as they soon plan to submit proposals to West Brom over the potential signing of Pereira. Al-Hilal, in contrast, have not prepared any such proposal, making them a mere outsider in this transfer chase, with the player himself more likely to remain in England in order to make a name for himself.
The former Sporting attacker already earned many plaudits with his exploits in the English top-flight last season. He scored 11 goals in 33 league matches while chipping in with six assists. It made him the most productive player for a West Brom side that finished in the bottom three of the league table, thereby getting relegated.
Earlier reports did suggest that West Ham’s interest in Pereira stems from their likely failure in the pursuit of top target Jesse Lingard. The Manchester United playmaker may even end up remaining at Old Trafford while Everton have reportedly joined the chase as well, forcing David Moyes to look elsewhere.
As for Leicester City, they are in desperate need of reinforcements in the attacking department. While the acquisition of Patson Daka was a smart one, the Foxes lack quality out wide, especially with James Maddison facing an uncertain future at the club. The former Norwich starlet has reportedly agreed personal terms with Arsenal and could be on his way out of King Power Stadium.
Maddison’s potential departure leaves Brendan Rodgers with Harvey Barnes and Marc Albrighton as his only reliable options out wide. As such, the addition of someone like Pereira could indeed be a boon as the Brazilian can not only provide competition out wide but can also play centrally if required.
The Foxes are exploring the market, too, with Daniel James of Manchester United, another potential target for Rodgers this summer. But in Matheus, the former Liverpool boss should find himself a proven talent, who will be keen on remaining in the Premier League following West Brom’s relegation last season.
It now remains to be seen if Leicester and West Ham act on their interest in the Brazilian with formal offers and whether West Brom deem their proposals worth accepting.