Hal Robson-Kanu, 27, is a wanted man. His superb strike for Wales in their magnificent 3–1 win over Belgium signalled a striker brimming with confidence; few would have thought of executing a Cruyff turn in that situation, let alone actually doing it to such devastating effect.
How different the world seems compared to early May when he cleared his locker at the Madjeski Stadium: out of contract and no clear plan where he would be playing football next season, if at all.
Now the former Arsenal trainee is the talk of the town and Premier League champions Leicester City are one of the first to show genuine interest in signing the free agent. Steve Walsh, the Foxes chief scout, has reportedly watched the player several times during Euro 2016 and been impressed by his work-rate, as well as the goals against Slovakia and Belgium.
It’s a cheaper option for Leicester than their original target, Troy Deeney, 28. Watford turned down a £32m bid for their captain, who has now signed a new contract at Vicarage Road. Robson-Kanu, at a cost of nothing frees money for them to invest in other areas of their squad.
One player who may benefit is CSKA Moscow’s Ahmed Musa, 23. Leonid Slutsky, CSKA’s coach, has fuelled speculation that the Nigerian winger is on his way to the King Power by informing the Russian media that Musa will “be leaving on Tuesday”.
With 58 caps, the winger has plenty of experience and with 53 goals in his 164 appearances for the Russian club, is not shy of shooting.
His arrival increases the chances of Riyad Mahrez, 25, leaving the Premier League champions this summer. Arsenal have long been interested in him and having failed to land Jamie Vardy, 29, are determined to avoid a repeat of that farce with the Algerian.
Mahrez has yet to sign a new deal put on the table a month ago and signing Musa, signals that his original pledge of allegiance has been forgotten.
Read all transfer ins and outs, completed deals visit football transfer news.
