As the 2024-25 Premier League season nears its climax, Arsenal are already laying the groundwork for a transformative summer transfer window, with their sights firmly set on Leicester City’s rising star, Bilal El Khannouss. The 20-year-old Moroccan midfielder, hailed as a “gem” for his technical prowess, has emerged as a prime target for the Gunners, who are reportedly prepared to offer €30 million to secure his services from the relegated Foxes. With negotiations ongoing, this potential signing could bolster Arsenal’s midfield and signal their intent to dominate the Premier League in the 2025-26 campaign.
Leicester’s season has been a tale of struggle, culminating in their inevitable drop to the Championship after amassing just 17 points from 30 games. The Foxes, sitting second-bottom, are 15 points adrift of safety, a stark contrast to their FA Cup triumph under Brendan Rodgers. Amid this turmoil, El Khannouss has been a beacon of promise. Since joining from Genk for £21 million last summer, the versatile playmaker has contributed three goals and five assists, showcasing his ability to operate as a No. 10, central midfielder, or winger. His performances have caught the eye of multiple Premier League clubs, but Arsenal are leading the chase, eager to capitalize on Leicester’s relegation woes. “The 20-year-old is too good for the Championship, and he will not want to head to the second division,” one report noted, highlighting El Khannouss’s ambition to compete at the highest level.
Arsenal’s interest is driven by Mikel Arteta’s vision to deepen his midfield options. Despite a stellar season that saw the Gunners finish second to Liverpool and win the FA Cup, Arteta seeks greater creativity and depth to challenge for the Premier League title. “They need to add more quality and depth in the middle of the park,” an analyst observed, pointing to El Khannouss’s technical ability, craft, and composure as ideal attributes for Arsenal’s system. The Moroccan’s versatility aligns with Arteta’s tactical flexibility, offering a dynamic presence alongside Martin Ødegaard and Ethan Nwaneri. “He could prove to be a very useful acquisition for Arsenal in the long term,” another pundit remarked, envisioning El Khannouss as a cornerstone of the club’s youth-driven project.
Negotiations between Arsenal and Leicester are progressing, with the Gunners confident in their financial muscle to seal the deal. Leicester, under contract with El Khannouss until 2028, initially valued him at £40 million, but their relegation has softened their stance, making a €30 million offer tempting. “Leicester are likely to be tempted if a €30 million offer is submitted,” one insider revealed, suggesting the deal could be a bargain for a player of his potential. Arsenal’s recent success in nurturing talents like Bukayo Saka and Nwaneri bodes well for El Khannouss, who could thrive under Arteta’s mentorship. “Arsenal have done well to groom talented young players in recent years, and they could play a key role in the development of El Khannouss as well,” a commentator noted.
The transfer race is not without competition. Liverpool have previously scouted El Khannouss, though he’s not currently on their radar, while other unnamed Premier League clubs are monitoring his situation. Arsenal’s edge lies in their status as a Champions League contender and their reputation for elevating young stars. “They are among the biggest clubs in the country, and they could provide him with the platform to fight for trophies regularly,” one report emphasized, underscoring the allure of joining a club on the cusp of greatness.
This pursuit comes amid Arsenal’s broader transfer strategy, which includes interest in Real Sociedad’s Martín Zubimendi and Newcastle’s Alexander Isak. The potential departure of players like Aaron Ramsdale or Eddie Nketiah could free up funds, making the €30 million investment in El Khannouss feasible. As the Emirates faithful dream of a title, El Khannouss represents more than a signing—he’s a symbol of Arsenal’s ambition to blend youth, flair, and trophy-chasing hunger in their quest for Premier League supremacy.