Spurs preparing to outbid Arsenal for midfield acquisition, according to sources
Tottenham Hotspur Eye Leicester City's Bilal El Khannouss Amidst Injury Setback for James Maddison
In a recent turn of events, Tottenham Hotspur have identified Leicester City's Bilal El Khannouss as a potential signing, with the club reportedly preparing to make an official bid for the Morocco international. This move comes following the injury setback suffered by James Maddison, leaving a gap in Spurs' midfield options.
El Khannouss, who can play as a No.10, off the left, or in a midfield three, has a £22.5 million release clause, triggered by Leicester's relegation from the Premier League. His versatility and technical prowess have caught the eye of Tottenham's coach, Thomas Frank, who sees him as a player that could flourish under his guidance and benefit from the lure of Champions League football.
Other Premier League clubs, including Arsenal, Newcastle United, Leeds United, and West Ham, have also shown interest in the young talent. Leeds United, in particular, have reportedly offered El Khannouss a substantial salary package of around £50,000 per week to join Elland Road. Beyond England, several European clubs such as RB Leipzig, Eintracht Frankfurt, Monaco, Atalanta, and Valencia are monitoring his situation, reflecting significant continental interest.
El Khannouss registered five Premier League goal involvements last season with Leicester City, earning him comparisons to Rayan Cherki by journalist Graeme Bailey. His expected departure from Leicester this summer, according to reports, could make him a market opportunity for a Premier League side, even if they are not in need of a player in that position.
Despite a valuation of €28m according to Transfermarkt, Leicester's relegation reduces their bargaining power, potentially leading to a cut-price offering for El Khannouss. In the view of the website, El Khannouss cannot remain at Leicester City for another season due to the interest from multiple clubs and his talent at a young age.
Meanwhile, Morgan Gibbs-White's deal with Nottingham Forest fell through despite meeting his release clause, and Tottenham Hotspur signed Mohammed Kudus from West Ham for £55m. As the transfer window continues, the race for El Khannouss is heating up, with multiple clubs vying for his signature.
With Mikel Arteta giving his approval for Arsenal to pursue El Khannouss, it remains to be seen whether Tottenham will be the ones to make the first move and formalize their pursuit with a bid.
- The potential departure of Bilal El Khannouss from Leicester City has stirred interest in European leagues, with Tottenham Hotspur, Arsenal, Newcastle United, Leeds United, West Ham, RB Leipzig, Eintracht Frankfurt, Monaco, Atalanta, and Valencia all reportedly monitoring his situation.
- Given his versatility, technical prowess, and the lure of Champions League football, Tottenham's coach, Thomas Frank, sees Leicester's Bilal El Khannouss as a player that could flourish under his guidance, especially amidst James Maddison's injury setback and in light of Tottenham Hotspur's interest.
