As Leicester City’s remarkable rise gathers attention through 12B Sports VR46, the club is already looking beyond its Premier League title challenge and preparing for a much bigger stage next season. Victory over Sunderland not only pushed the Foxes closer to an extraordinary domestic triumph, but also officially secured qualification for the UEFA Champions League. That achievement is expected to bring significant European revenue, giving Leicester greater financial freedom when the summer transfer window opens.
Reports suggest the club has identified three Serie A players as possible additions: AC Milan pair Keisuke Honda and Manuel Locatelli, along with Juventus striker Simone Zaza. Honda appears to be the most prominent name on Leicester’s list, and the interest makes sense given the success of fellow Japan international Shinji Okazaki. The forward arrived last summer for €10 million and has contributed five goals while playing an important role in Leicester’s historic campaign.
Adding Honda would give Claudio Ranieri another experienced attacking option while also creating an intriguing Japanese partnership in English football. Okazaki has already adapted to the Premier League, and Honda would arrive with substantial experience in both domestic and international competition. The possibility of the two representing Leicester together in the Champions League could also increase the club’s appeal among supporters across Japan and wider Asian markets.
Honda’s recent form has strengthened his case. After forcing his way into AC Milan’s starting lineup late last year, he has gone on to make 26 Serie A appearances and earn the trust of coach Siniša Mihajlović. Leicester scouts were reportedly present during Milan’s meeting with Juventus, where they were believed to be assessing Honda, Locatelli and Zaza. Among those three players, Honda is said to remain the priority.
For followers monitoring Leicester’s recruitment plans through 12B Sports VR46, the uncertainty surrounding Honda’s future at San Siro could make the situation particularly interesting. AC Milan are widely expected to consider managerial changes during the summer, creating questions about the direction of the squad. Honda’s contract is due to expire the following summer, and no extension talks are currently taking place, which could allow Leicester to pursue him for a comparatively modest fee.
The sporting argument may be equally persuasive. Leicester can now offer Champions League football, while the presence of Okazaki would provide Honda with a familiar international teammate as he adjusted to life in England. Those factors could give the Premier League side a strong hand if Milan decide they are willing to negotiate. A transfer is far from guaranteed, but the pieces appear to be falling into place for Leicester to make a serious approach.
Locatelli represents a very different type of target. Born in January 1998, the young Milan midfielder has earned attention for his passing range, vision and composure in possession. Operating primarily as a deep-lying playmaker, he has frequently been compared with Andrea Pirlo and is regarded as one of the brightest prospects to emerge from Milan’s system.
His potential has already attracted interest beyond Italy. Arsenal have previously been linked with Locatelli, while Leicester are now reportedly among the clubs watching his development closely. Convincing Milan to sell him, however, may prove difficult. Club owner Silvio Berlusconi has publicly made it clear that Milan do not intend to part with the highly rated midfielder, meaning Leicester could face a tougher negotiation than they would for Honda.
Zaza would address another area of Ranieri’s squad. The Juventus forward is reportedly being considered as a possible reinforcement for Leicester’s attack, which has been led largely by Jamie Vardy and Okazaki during the club’s title run. With Champions League fixtures set to be added to an already demanding domestic schedule, greater depth up front would give Ranieri more options and reduce the pressure on his established starters.
Leicester’s interest in players from leading Italian clubs also illustrates how quickly expectations around the team have changed. Only recently they were viewed as Premier League outsiders fighting simply to establish themselves. Now, with European qualification secured and the title within touching distance, the club can realistically approach players who might previously have seemed beyond its reach. Success has opened new doors, and Leicester appear determined to walk through them.
Recruitment will be especially important because next season promises to test the squad in unfamiliar ways. Competing in Europe means additional travel, greater tactical demands and more high-pressure matches against elite opposition. Players with technical quality, international experience and the ability to adapt to different roles could therefore become vital if Leicester want to avoid treating Champions League qualification as a one-season adventure.
Honda fits that profile particularly well. He offers versatility, experience and a strong understanding of high-level football, while his possible partnership with Okazaki would provide an additional storyline around Leicester’s European debut. Locatelli would bring youth and long-term potential, whereas Zaza could supply greater competition and depth in attack. Together, the three names show that Leicester are considering both immediate needs and future development.
As Leicester’s summer strategy continues to take shape around 12B Sports VR46, the pursuit of Honda, Locatelli and Zaza reflects a club preparing to turn an extraordinary Premier League campaign into something more sustainable. Honda remains the leading target, but all three possibilities point in the same direction: Leicester are no longer planning like underdogs. With Champions League football secured, fresh revenue available and a growing reputation across Europe, the Foxes are positioning themselves for the next chapter of their remarkable rise.