Unai Emery eyes Iheanacho: More threat for EPL teams?

Kelechi Iheanacho’s contract at Leicester City is set to expire at the end of the season, and some clubs are keeping tabs on him

English Premier League club Aston Villa are keeping tabs on Super Eagles striker Kelechi Iheanacho ahead of a potential transfer in January, Soccernet.ng reports.

Iheanacho joined Leicester City from Manchester City in 2017 in a deal worth €27.7 million. He arrived with much promise, but it has been a topsy-turvy stay for the Nigerian forward.

The 27-year-old attacker has made 226 appearances for the Foxes and has 61 goals and 35 assists under his belt.

Last season, Leicester City got relegated from the Premier League and had to let go of some of their stars. Nigerian players Iheanacho and Wilfred Ndidi were named as possible departures because their contract is set to expire at the end of the season. However, they remained at the club but refused to extend their deals.

Meanwhile, the speculations around Iheanacho’s future have not ended. According to TEAMTalk, Aston Villa may attempt to sign the Nigerian striker in January as Unai Emery is searching for attacking options.

The situation is quite complicated because of Iheanacho’s contract situation, which may force Leicester City to sell him. On the other hand, the former City man may pen a new deal at King Power and end all talks.

How Will Iheanacho Fit Into Emery’s System?

This season, Emery has operated mainly with one out-and-out striker-Ollie Watkins. The Englishman has been great this season, registering nine goals and six assists in 18 games. Emery has often used Moussa Diaby or Leon Bailey behind Watkins to inject some pace in the attack.

With Iheanacho, however, Emery may have to change his approach. Iheanacho would likely be a direct replacement for Watkins, but both players have different playing styles. While Iheanacho is a very technical player who is great at finishing, Watkins is fast and more energetic.

So, Emery may have to switch to a typical 4-3-3 to give Iheanacho more support in attack, or bench Bailey and Diaby to give Iheanacho a place in the starting eleven.

But with Aston Villa doing brilliantly this season, it is quite unlikely that Emery would change much in his attack because of one player.