Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has given the go-ahead to progress the pursuit of Bilal El Khannouss after the Leicester City star has been recommended to the Spanish tactician by key figures at the Emirates Stadium ahead of the summer transfer window opening for business, GIVEMESPORT sources have revealed.
Andrea Berta will be in charge of the Gunners' recruitment drive in preparation for next season, having been appointed as the north Londoners' new sporting director in March, and plans have been put in place to upgrade the squad after being beaten to the Premier League title by Liverpool.
Thomas Partey is locked in talks over extending his contract at Arsenal, with Arteta desperate to avoid a situation where the midfielder heads through the exit door as a free agent in the coming months, but there is also determination to bring in fresh faces when the opportunity arises.
Gunners May Make Proposal for El Khannouss
North Londoners feel creative midfielder could be long-term asset
Bilal El Khannouss in action for Leicester City
Arteta has approved Arsenal advancing a move for El Khannouss, according to GMS sources, and it has been confirmed that an offer worth £22million could be submitted to test Leicester's resolve in the coming weeks as he is being viewed as a target who would be capable of making an instant impact and developing into a longer-term asset.
Although the creative midfielder still has three years remaining on a contract which allows him to pocket £35,000-per-week, the Gunners are tempted to take advantage of his current employers' relegation from the Premier League by offering him an immediate route back into the top flight.
GMS sources have been informed that key figures at Arsenal have recommended attempting to land El Khannouss, who has racked up eight goal contributions in all competitions this season, after he has impressed various members of the recruitment department with his intelligence on the ball and technical quality in a struggling side.
Bilal El Khannouss' statistics for Leicester City this season
The 20-year-old has been described as having a football IQ 'on another level' by scout Jacek Kulig and, with Championship action currently on the horizon thanks to Leicester failing to stave off the drop, the north Londoners are carefully progressing their interest before potentially pouncing.
Arsenal are increasingly confident that a move for El Khannouss could prove to be a smart gamble with a major upside, GMS sources have learned, as he fits the profile of being versatile, young and hungry while also being a character that would quickly build bonds in the Emirates Stadium dressing room.
Ambition of El Khannouss Set to be Evaluated
Arteta wants to know if Morocco international is eager to join
Bilal El Khannouss in action for Leicester City
GMS sources have been told that Arsenal are keen to discover more about whether El Khannouss' ambition means he is prepared to embark on a fresh challenge in north London, while it is important for them to find out about his personality before heading to Leicester with a formal offer.
The Morocco international moved to the King Power Stadium less than 12 months ago, thanks to completing a £21million switch from Belgian side Genk in August, and there is hope among the Gunners' key decision-makers that he will be eager to make a quickfire return to the Premier League instead of preparing for a season in the Championship.
Arteta is aware of El Khannouss' profile and is believed to be supportive of having him among his options for next term, GMS sources understand, but Arsenal are also showing interest in Borussia Dortmund's Jamie Gittens and exploring a deal at the same time as contemplating whether to enter negotiations with Leicester.
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Although GMS sources recently revealed that the Gunners are preparing to hold talks with Viktor Gyokeres' agent ahead of a potential switch from Sporting, they want to make shrewd signings as well as big-name acquisitions and need to be convinced that any arrivals are the right fit.
All statistics courtesy of Sofascore - correct as of 06/05/2025
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