Official talks between Arsenal and Leicester City has reportedly started. To secure the service Bilal El Khannouss from Leicester as the 20 years old Moroccan midfielder for the Gunners. El Khannouss proved himself as a top performer since joining Leicester. He joined the Leicester from Genk during the August transfer window in 2024. Leicester City’s battle to avoid relegation has led Arsenal to pursue Bilal El Khannouss. As they want to add his talent to their midfield department under Arteta.
El Khannouss rise and performance at Leicester:
The professional footballing career of El Khannouss started at Genk. Where he played a total of 78 matches and scored four times before Leicester City bought him for £21 million. El Khannouss has appeared 29 times in Premier League matches for Leicester City. While adding two goals to his tally and giving his team valuable creative support in the midfield zone. Top European clubs have made their interest known in him as he showcases his technical ability along with his vision. Despite of Leicester’s current performance problems with their certain demotion to the Championship next season. Michel Ribeiro who served as Genk’s former coach declared that the player was completely capable of playing in the Premier League. As he has showed full willingness to adapt to any condition. El Khannouss has proven his readiness for competitive matches because of his ability to adjust to different situations on the field.
Arsenal interest in El Khannouss:
Arsenal plans to pay about £30 million to acquire El Khannouss because Leicester City finds itself vulnerable in the league standings. The club plans to keep him because his contract extends until 2028. Without any demotion clause thus their asking price is expected to reach £40 million. His arrival would add depth to the squad to allow more rotation. While bringing his creative abilities to a position where the Gunners are facing several problems in their midfielders.
Rival interests:
Arsenal are the leading the race to sign him but RB Leipzig and Lazio are among European teams interested in the player. The player’s decision to compete at the top level affects his transfer decision. Especially when Leicester fails to maintain their position in the Premier League. His playing experience which includes the FIFA World Cup 2022 and Summer Olympics 2024 for Morocco makes him more attractive to the top clubs. His collection of awards including the Belgian Golden Shoe Best Young Player and the Belgian Lion Award show his potential success as a future Arsenal player.
Author’s opinion:
Arsenal plan to sign El Khannouss shows their plan to build a midfield based on the potential to have long term impacts to solutions. While the transfer fee might be higher than expectations. Investing in a player of his potential could provide significantly good results on the field for the gunners. We can take the examples of players like Declan Rice. His technical skills along with his international experience with the national team and the premier league experience. With his addition he can help fill the gunner’s midfield with key players along with additional backups for any rotation.
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