Arsenal reportedly secures deal with Martin Odegaard's potential replacement.
Ready for a midfield Makeover? Arsenal might just be!
It's no secret that Arsenal's hunt for a prolific center-forward is underway, but the Gunners are also eyeing a creative midfield genius to help breach those stubborn low blocks. It seems Mikel Arteta's plan is to revamp the midfield for a smoother ride in the upcoming season.
The Midfield Conundrum
Last season, Arsenal faced a shortage in the playmakers department, exacerbated by injuries and loan deals. Emile Smith Rowe and Fabio Vieira were shipped out, leaving Odegaard – Arsenal's main playmaker – vulnerable when he picked up an ankle injury on an international break. Arteta's switch to accommodate Kai Havertz and Leandro Trossard, coupled with Ethan Nwaneri being entrusted as a no.8, didn't quite hit the spot, with Nwaneri physically struggling in that role at times.
The New Man on the Block
According to Africa Foot, Arsenal could soon welcome Bilal El Khannouss from relegated Leicester City. Arteta has been an admirer of the Moroccan international for a while now. El Khannouss excelled as a no.10 in Leicester's dire season, and though he may not start every week for Arsenal, he'd be a solid deputy for Odegaard and perhaps a potential successor one day.
The deal is allegedly close, with Arsenal and El Khannouss' agent having reached a definitive agreement. The final hurdle is meeting Leicester City's financial demands to finalize the transfer, estimated at around £21 million, roughly the fee Leicester paid to snatch him from Genk last summer.
A Smart Investment?
Although Arsenal are believed to prioritize a new striker and a potential additional defender this summer due to the club's injury woes last season, El Khannouss has caught the eye of the recruitment team and holds a prominent position on their wishlist. Transfermarkt values the 21-year-old at €28 million, suggesting he could prove to be a shrewd investment.
Stay tuned for more updates as Arsenal goes all-in to remodel the midfield and return to their Premier League-winning glory days!
Arsenal's pursuit of a creative midfield genius is advancing, as they reportedly negotiate a deal for Bilal El Khannouss from relegated Leicester City. This potential transfer, if finalized, could elevate Arsenal's midfield options, providing a solid deputy for Martin Ødegaard and a potential successor in the long run.
