The Gunners are set to lose at least two midfielders this summer, with both Thomas Partey and Jorginho set to be out of contract.
However, the Real Sociedad and Spain star is not the only target in Arsenal’s sights.
Arsenal are also said to be eyeing a £21million midfielder who has been likened to Kevin De Bruyne and has even impressed Pep Guardiola.
Arsenal target Bilal El Khannouss likened to Kevin De Bruyne and praised by Pep Guardiola
The player in question is Bilal El Khannouss, who has been impressing for Leicester City despite their lowly Premier League position.
It has been reported that Arsenal are keen on El Khannouss – indeed, they are said to be the club most interested in signing him.
In 28 appearances for the Foxes across all competitions this season, the 20-year-old has scored three goals and provided three assists.
Spotting potential in players currently playing for clubs in relegation danger is something all top clubs need to be able to do.
And El Khannouss certainly seems to tick a lot of boxes, along with the Manchester City manager’s seal of approval.
Speaking to Sporza after Leicester’s 2-0 loss to City in December, El Khannouss said: “He (Guardiola) said he was impressed by my play today.
“I am not. I know myself and this is the player I can be. I have to show that every week now.”
Football Talent Scout’s Jacek Kulig has compared El Khannouss to Kevin De Bruyne and Christian Eriksen.
Indeed, El Khannouss himself says he tries to model his game on De Bruyne.
“He is an example for me, because he also played at Genk,” El Khannouss told DAZN in October 2023.
“I watch Manchester City and De Bruyne will stand for two minutes in the same place, and then, after two minutes, the ball just comes to him. You just have to be patient and find space yourself.
“I am a technical player. I am an attacking midfielder and I can play as a 10 or an eight, right or left.
“I like freedom, but I will always listen to what the coach wants. Then I will try to create space with my own qualities.”
The best signings from clubs relegated from the Premier League
Signing players from relegated clubs has often led to bargains for some of the top clubs.
For instance, Liverpool have done extremely well when they signed Andrew Robertson from Hull City and Georginio Wijnaldum from Newcastle United.
Xherdan Shaqiri was also a solid squad member for Liverpool after they snapped him up from relegated Stoke City.
Prior to them, the likes of Roy Keane, Joe Cole and Michael Carrick have been relegated from the Premier League, all of whom went on to greatness.
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