Leicester sign forgotten Arsenal wonderkid Stephy Mavididi after three years in France
Leicester have made an exciting signing by bringing in Stephy Mavididi from Montpellier. The former Arsenal youngster has agreed to a five-year contract with the Foxes. Mavididi, who is 25 years old, scored 21 goals in 91 league appearances for Montpellier. He will join Leicester just in time for their Championship opener against Coventry City on Sunday.
Mavididi had a long association with Arsenal, spending eight seasons at the club. In 2018, he made a move to Juventus, becoming the first English player to represent the Italian club since David Platt in 1992. However, his time in Turin was short-lived, with only one appearance before being loaned out to Dijon. Montpellier then secured his services on a permanent basis.
The forward, who hails from Derby, had a decent spell in Ligue 1, but now he aims to rejuvenate his career in England. Mavididi expressed his happiness and excitement about joining Leicester, stating that it was an easy decision for him after speaking with the manager and staff. He mentioned the club’s rich history, impressive training ground, and stadium as factors that attracted him. Additionally, he felt it was the right time to return to England and continue his football journey.
In April, Mavididi broke Chris Waddle’s record for the most games played by an English player in France’s top tier. With his move to Leicester, he hopes to build on his achievements and make a significant impact in English football.
Leicester City have completed the signing of Stephy Mavididi, the forgotten present and former Arsenal wonderkid.
Mavididi, 21, joins the Foxes from French club Dijon, where he finished the 2019/2020 season on loan from Juventus. He was previously sent out on loan from Arsenal to Charlton Athletic, Preston North End and Juventus.
The England Under-20 international joined the Gunners’ youth system in 2006 and progressed through to feature for the first team in a League Cup tie with Sheffield Wednesday in October 2016. Mavididi made a total of seven appearances for the North London club before sealing a move to Serie A in June 2018.
Leicester’s director of football, Jon Rudkin, commented on the deal by welcoming Mavididi to the club. He said: “Stephy has been an outstanding performer in both England and France, and we have every belief he will continue to progress in Leicestershire.”
It is understood that Mavididi’s contract is for an initial three-years but there is the option to extend for a further two if he proves successful at the King Power Stadium.
The forward, who has been capped at England Under-20 and Under-17 level, can play anywhere over the course of a front three and is highly-rated as a supposed modern-day forward. Mavididi could now make his Leicester debut in their opening Premier League fixture against Wolverhampton Wanderers on Sunday, September 13, 2020.