Sunderland are showing serious ambition in the transfer market, with Regis Le Bris’ side working on an ambitious deal for an Arsenal target.
As TBR Football revealed, Sunderland signed Simon Adingra from Brighton and Hove Albion, in what could prove to be a major coup for the North East club.
Aaron Ramsdale is now a target for Sunderland, TBR Football understands, with the goalkeeper hoping to make an immediate return to the top-flight.
But they are still far from done there, with talks having started to sign a player who Arsenal rate very highly.
Bilal El Khannous in action during Leicester City vs Manchester United in the Premier League.
Photo by Malcolm Couzens/Getty Images
Sunderland hope to finalise deal to sign Bilal El Khannouss from Leicester
Sunderland are hoping to finalise an agreement to sign Bilal El Khannouss from Leicester City, according to L’Equipe.
The Black Cats have approached the 21-year-old over recent days in a bid to sign the attacking midfielder from the Championship club.
Le Bris’ team appears to have stolen a march in the race to sign El Khannouss, however, they are not the only club keen on him.
AS Monaco and West Ham United have also made enquiries for the Moroccan international about a deal.
Meanwhile, TBR Football reported back in May that Arsenal had shown an interest in El Khannouss and they believe that he has ‘huge potential’.
El Khannouss is valued at £21m, and for that price, he could prove to be great value, given how impressive he was during his debut season in the Premier League.
Newcastle United are also monitoring El Khannouss, but it’s yet to be seen whether either of these two clubs would follow up on their interest.
Bilal El Khannouss could be a bargain signing for Sunderland
Arsenal viewed El Khannouss as a potential bargain signing at just £21m, although their priorities now lie elsewhere.
That’s where the Black Cats could now pounce and bring the talented youngster to the Stadium of Light instead. The attacker could be an instant upgrade on Enzo Le Fee.
Bilal El Khannouss Enzo Le Fee
Apps 32 18
Goals 2 1
Assists 3 3
Chances created 42 27
Passes completed 767 505
Passing accuracy% 80.31 84.03
Bilal El Khannouss’ 2024/25 season stats vs Enzo Le Fee’s (Squawka)
The 21-year-old created more chances in the Premier League last season than the likes of James Maddison, Gabriel Martinelli and Noni Madueke.
He proved to be the heartbeat of a struggling Leicester side and would likely flourish in a stronger team. Sunderland need to take a punt on him.