Ryan Bertrand looks set to join Leicester City ahead of the 2021/22 season, spurning interest from Arsenal. The former Chelsea full-back is leaving Southampton this summer with his deal expiring.
Leicester City Close to Ryan Bertrand Deal
Bertrand to Become Fullback Reinforcement at Leicester
Leicester City are in dire need of reinforcements at fullback. James Justin is likely to miss the start of the season with the long term injury he suffered last season. Timothy Castagne had an injury-filled first season at Leicester. He, too, came off injured in Belgium’s Euro 2020 opener. Consequently, the Foxes have another injury problem. Christian Fuchs also left the club this summer after a six-year spell.
Bertrand is an experienced Premier League player. He famously made his European debut in the Champions League final in 2012. The academy graduate started on the left wing as Chelsea beat Bayern Munich for their maiden Champions League title. He would later leave Chelsea to join Southampton. Initially, it was a loan deal, but that was made permanent in 2015.
His seven-year association with Southampton comes to a close this summer, as he leaves after turning down a new deal. The 31-year old made 240 appearances for Southampton, scoring eight times.
Ryan Bertrand Turned Arsenal Down
Arsenal are in the market for another left-back. The Gunners want someone who can provide strong competition to Kieran Tierney and can fill in when the Scot is injured. They had contacted Bertrand in January, with an official approach.
Arsenal, however, failed to convince him. Bertrand likely feels that he won’t get enough playing time at Arsenal. Leicester, who have 19-year old Luke Thomas as their only current left-back option, are better placed to provide him playing time. Arsenal were not the only ones interested in Bertrand. Milan and Monaco have also registered their interest in him. In the end, however, he has chosen a move to the Midlands, where Brendan Rodgers awaits.
Bertrand’s contract at Southampton expires on 30 June, and he will officially become a Leicester player from July 1.
Busy Summer at Leicester
Bertrand is unlikely to be Leicester’s only arrival this summer. According to Fabrizio Romano, a deal for RB Salzburg striker Patson Daka has been completed. They are also working to sign midfielder Boubakary Soumare from Ligue 1 champions Lille. Celtic forward Odsonne Edouard is also on their list, along with Turkish centre-back Ozan Kabak.
Youri Tielemans, who had an impressive season, is attracting interest from others. The Belgian, who is currently at the Euros, has two years left on his contract. It has already been a busy summer for the Foxes.
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