Article body analysed
Arsenal are eyeing a shrewd deal for a midfielder recently relegated from the Premier League
When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here’s how it works.
Arsenal are lining up a cut-price signing for a midfielder who could provide competition for Martin Odegaard. The Norway international has raised some questions at the Emirates Stadium recently after an uncharacteristic quiet year, not helped by difficult performance against PSG in the Champions League. But the Gunners may now have identified an affordable alternative to challenge Odegaard next term. All the transfer talk surrounding Arsenal has focused predominantly on their lack of a central striker, with the likes of Alexander Isak and Viktor Gyokeres in the frame. Less expected was a player who may challenge club captain Odegaard’s starting spot. Nevertheless, the Gunners have set their sights on young attacking midfielder Bilal El Khannouss, currently with Leicester City, according to Fichajes. Few players escape this Foxes season with much credit in the bank, and El Khannouss’ two goals and two assists in the Premier League certainly won’t break records, but he has caught the eye at times during this campaign. The best features, fun and footballing quizzes, straight to your inbox every week. The Spanish outlet reveals that the Morocco international could be available for €20m-€30m, as Leicester look to readjust their finances for the Championship. Arsenal also have Fabio Vieira out on loan in Porto, who can fill the same role. Regardless of which route they take, the focus on the no. 10 role suggests eyes are on Odegaard at the Emirates. In Four Four Two’s opinion, it seems unlikely that either El Khannouss or Vieira will be replacing Odegaard in any substantial way at Arsenal next term, but some cover would be wise. The Gunners have few, if any, central creators in the mould of Odegaard at present, meaning rest or rotation to account for drops in form aren’t easy for Mikel Arteta. A new striker is clearly the main priority, but if they can land a cheap deal for the likes of El Khannouss, it could prove a shrewd move. El Khannouss is valued at €30m according to Transfermarkt. Arsenal next face Bournemouth when Premier League action returns this weekend. Isaac Stacey Stronge is a freelance football writer working for Four Four Two, Manchester United and Football League World. He has been a season ticket holder at Stockport County throughout the Hatters’ meteoric rise from the National League North to League One and is a die-hard Paddy Madden fan.
Four Four Two is part of Future plc, an international media group and leading digital publisher. Visit our corporate site.
©
Future Publishing Limited Quay House, The Ambury,
Bath
BA1 1UA. All rights reserved. England and Wales company registration number 2008885.