According to Give Me Sport, Mikel Arteta has reportedly approved the pursuit of Bilal El Khannous ahead of the summer. The Leicester City playmaker could be offered a route back to the Premier League from the relegated Foxes, as Arsenal now plan on making a £22 million bid to test their resolve.
Arsenal are prepared to make some important moves in the summer as part of their transfer plans to strengthen the squad. Mikel Arteta will hope Andrea Berta has the ammunition to get the players he wants in the close season, which includes a midfielder, playmaker, striker, and probably a left winger.
They are closing in on Martin Zubimendi, while there are links to several striker and winger names. As for the playmaker part, they are now looking at various options including Leicester City’s Bilal El Khannouss from the relegated Premier League side in the summer.
The Gunners are also in talks to renew Thomas Partey’s contract, which will help them plan to improve their midfield setup. Following a season in which Martin Odegaard has struggled for form, it is only natural thinking from Arteta to get in someone who could deputise or even play alongside the Norwegian.
Arsenal have been interested in Bilal El Khannouss and now Arteta appears to have approved the idea of pursuing the Moroccan. The Foxes star has three years left on his £35,000-a-week deal at the King Power, which does allow Leicester City the power to demand a significant fee. He has eight goal contributions this season across all competitions, although his overall profile coupled with the ‘football IQ’ is what attracts the Gunners.
Arsenal had been thinking about making an offer for El Khannouss, and now the club are prepared to make a £22 million bid to test Leicester City’s resolve. With the time left on the £35,000-a-week playmaker’s contract, the Foxes are bound to demand more, unless there is a relegation clause in his deal at the club.
If Arsenal were to achieve Bilal El Khannouss for the said £22 million price, it would be seen as a solid coup of sorts given how much of an upside he has for the future. He should be an interesting addition to the squad that boasts the right mix of young and experienced stars, as the Moroccan could get the chance to challenge for honours at the top level after suffering relegation with Leicester City this season.
