The Foxes are keen on a hotshot forward from France who has also been linked to Man United and Borussia Dortmund, but the EFL is making it difficult for Leicester City.
Leicester City have endured a mixed bag of results so far in the 2025/26 Championship season under Marti Cifuentes.
Last time out, Leicester City held on to a 1-0 win against Charlton Athletic, with an Abdul Fatawu wonderstrike settling the game in the Foxes’ favour.
That followed up a poor showing against Preston North End, as well as arguably Sheffield Wednesday, after the Foxes left it late at home against a beleaguered Owls side.
It is clear, after the opening games of the Championship campaign, that Cifuentes is in need of extra firepower in the final third.
One forward has been identified to fill the void, but a shock claim about a transfer embargo, and possibly points deductions, could make proceedings difficult for the Foxes.
Jon Rudkin, Director of Football at Leicester City
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Leicester City hit with transfer embargo claim amid interest in Idrissa Gueye
It has been reported, via Alan Nixon on Patreon, that Leicester City are reportedly keen to sign FC Metz and Senegalese forward Idrissa Gueye.
However, such a deal could prove to be difficult after Nixon claimed that ‘Leicester are not allowed to spend under their current restrictions – with a points penalty due to come their way’.
The EFL is reportedly restricting Leicester City in the transfer window and will only allow the Foxes to sign him in a loan deal.
Nixon then suggests that ‘Leicester are proposing to take Gueye on loan for the season with a guaranteed buy at around £13 million next summer’, but it may not be possible as the EFL have ‘clamped down hard on Leicester for past offences’.
Leicester are aiming high with their striker target, with Gueye also being linked to Man United and Borussia Dortmund this summer, according to L’Equipe.
Leicester City v Tranmere Rovers - Carabao Cup Second Round
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The Foxes may have to be shrewd with upcoming dealings
If Alan Nixon’s claim about Leicester City holds credibility, it could shape up to be an incredibly difficult season for the Foxes.
Their attacking options at this moment are rather slim, especially as they look set to lose Bilal El Khannouss this summer.
Leicester City, if they do have to rely on loan deals or freebies for the remainder of the window, could take a leaf out of Hull City’s book, who have bolstered their squad under similar restrictions.
The Foxes will have to be shrewd with their incomings and outgoings in the next week, as they cannot afford to match the expectations of promotion after not replacing the likes of Jamie Vardy and El Khannouss.