Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal are reportedly making a strong push to sign Moroccan playmaker Bilal El Khannouss this summer, with the 20-year-old seen as a valuable long-term asset for the club’s evolving midfield setup.
According to reports from Fichajes via CaughtOffside, Arsenal are one of the frontrunners for his signature and have already opened initial discussions with Leicester City — who were relegated from the Premier League this past weekend.
El Khannouss too good for the Championship?
Despite Leicester’s collective struggles, El Khannouss has been one of the bright sparks in their otherwise disappointing campaign. The former KRC Genk prodigy made 33 appearances in all competitions, contributing to seven goals in his debut season in English football.
At just 20, he already shows the technical maturity and versatility that top clubs crave. Primarily an attacking midfielder, El Khannouss is comfortable playing deeper in a two-man pivot or drifting wide when needed — a trait that makes him a dream fit for Mikel Arteta’s fluid midfield rotation.
With Leicester now back in the Championship, El Khannouss is widely expected to push for an exit. His current contract runs until 2028, but the club’s financial situation — and the looming need to offload assets — means they’ll be under pressure to consider offers.
Arsenal are reportedly preparing to table a €30 million bid, a figure that could tempt Leicester into negotiations.
Arsenal’s midfield evolution continues
With Kai Havertz and Martin Ødegaard cemented in starting roles, Arsenal are now building layers of depth and flexibility across midfield. The emergence of Ethan Nwaneri and the solid presence of Jorginho and Rice has helped, but the Gunners are still light in pure creative profiles who can carry the ball through central zones.
El Khannouss could bring exactly that. He is composed under pressure, loves operating in tight spaces, and has the technical flair to thrive in Arsenal’s system. He would add competition and quality behind Ødegaard, but also offer a completely different flavour in more compact, low-block games where space needs to be created with guile — not just speed.
Why El Khannouss would choose Arsenal
From the player’s perspective, joining Arsenal presents a massive leap in both status and opportunity.
Under Arteta, young players are developed, trusted, and given big-game exposure. El Khannouss would walk into a dressing room competing for Premier League and Champions League honours — and could learn under a coach who deeply values technical midfielders.
With the Gunners pushing hard and Leicester vulnerable, this is a deal that could gather pace quickly.
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