Leicester star linked with £30m switch as Arsenal plan midfield boost | OneFootball

Arsenal Weigh Move for El Khannouss Amid Relegation Fallout at Leicester

Gunners Assess Midfield Market Ahead of Summer Window

Arsenal are reportedly preparing a summer offer for Bilal El Khannouss, one of Leicester City’s standout players during a difficult Premier League campaign. According to TeamTalk, the Gunners are “prepared to offer around €35m (£30m, $38m)” for the Moroccan international as they seek to bolster their midfield options ahead of next season.

The 20-year-old joined Leicester from Genk last summer for around £21m and, despite the Foxes’ struggles, has impressed in flashes. With three goals and four assists across a turbulent campaign, El Khannouss is one of the few bright spots in a side staring relegation in the face.

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Midfield Versatility a Draw for Arsenal

What makes El Khannouss an attractive proposition for top-flight clubs is his positional flexibility. The young midfielder is capable of operating as a number 10, a number eight, and has even featured on the left flank. This adaptability fits well into Arsenal’s evolving tactical setup, where positional interchange and depth will be critical for competing across multiple fronts next season.

As per the report, “El Khannouss would be willing to move on if Leicester go down”, which now appears likely with the club sitting second-bottom and 15 points from safety.

Leicester’s Stance Remains Firm

Despite their precarious position, Leicester are under no obligation to sell. El Khannouss is under contract until 2028, and “his deal does not include a relegation clause”. Sources close to the club suggest it could take a fee closer to £40m to prise the player away from the King Power Stadium.

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While Fichajes’ report claims Arsenal are ready to act, TeamTalk adds a note of caution — “We have had no indication that Arsenal are one of those interested as yet.”

Zubimendi Remains Top Target

It’s also worth noting that “the Gunners’ top midfield target is Real Sociedad star Martin Zubimendi and that hasn’t changed”, according to TeamTalk. Should the Spaniard remain out of reach due to price or preference, El Khannouss could represent a viable alternative.

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Arsenal’s midfield recruitment strategy appears clear: add youth, depth, and tactical diversity. Whether El Khannouss fits the bill fully or is simply one of several monitored profiles remains to be seen.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

El Khannouss is clearly a talent, but £30m for a player in a relegated team — after just one season in English football — feels premature.

Yes, his versatility is appealing. And yes, he’s shown composure in a difficult environment. But if Martin Zubimendi is still the priority, why settle for an alternative who, frankly, hasn’t dominated games? That’s the bar now. Arsenal aren’t rebuilding — they’re refining. And that means targeting players who improve the XI, not just the squad.

There’s also the financial aspect. With no relegation clause, Leicester hold all the cards. If they demand £40m, should Arsenal really be pushing for a player who’s still developing? There’s value in spotting potential, but also danger in overpaying for it too early.

El Khannouss might eventually prove a smart long-term bet. But for now, scepticism is fair. This doesn’t yet feel like the kind of transfer that elevates Arsenal’s title ambitions.