Leicester City Midfielder Nampalys Mendy Close to Joining Serie A Side Atalanta

Leicester City midfielder Nampalys Mendy is reportedly very close to securing a move to Serie A side Atalanta.

Having been drafted into the Premier League side last summer with the intention of replacing the departed N'Golo Kante, Mendy struggled for game time at the club in a season interrupted by injuries.

The Foxes signed Mendy from OGC Nice in a deal worth £13m, but the player managed only four league appearances for the side over the course of the season.

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According to L'Equipe, Mendy's representative has confirmed that the midfielder is close to leaving the King Power Stadium in an initial loan move to Atalanta. The Serie A side are thought to be reserving the option to buy the player on a permanent contract after the initial loan period.

His representative said: "An agreement is very close. The project at Atalanta, who will compete in the Europa League this season, is more attractive for his future. Being happy on the pitch again is his priority."

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The 25-year-old was thought to be keen on a move back to France with Ligue 1 sides Bordeaux and Saint-Etienne believed to be interested in signing the midfielder.

The Foxes have already brought in reinforcements in midfield with the club completing a deal for Sevilla player Vicente Iborra for £12.5m. 

Leicester hold their breath going into the last few days of the transfer window with various top European clubs eyeing up a move for wantaway attacking midfielder Riyad Mahrez. 

If reports are to be believed Arsenal, Liverpool and Serie A side Roma are all thought to be keen on the Algerian international's signature.