Wolves Join Arsenal in Transfer Race for Leicester Star Bilal El Khannouss

Premier League side Wolverhampton Wanderers are reportedly stepping up their interest in Leicester City’s attacking midfielder Bilal El Khannouss, as they look to secure a replacement for Matheus Cunha ahead of a potentially busy summer transfer window.

According to a report from GiveMeSport, Wolves are keeping a close eye on the Moroccan international and see him as a fitting successor to Cunha, who is widely expected to complete a big-money move to Manchester United in the coming days. The move for El Khannouss underlines Wolves’ ambition to strengthen their attacking ranks and build for the future.

Leicester’s Relegation Sparks Summer Overhaul

Leicester City’s immediate return to the Championship was confirmed last month after a disappointing season in the Premier League, and changes are already underway at the King Power Stadium. The club is preparing for a significant squad reshuffle, with new arrivals and several departures anticipated as they gear up for life in the second tier.

Club legend Jamie Vardy has already announced his departure, and now El Khannouss appears to be another high-profile name on the exit list. The 21-year-old attacking midfielder was a rare bright spot in a campaign filled with disappointment and inconsistency. Despite the team’s struggles, El Khannouss showcased his quality and potential, making him a highly attractive target for clubs looking to strengthen their creative options.

El Khannouss’ Journey So Far

Born in Belgium, El Khannouss started his professional footballing journey with Belgian side Genk, progressing through their youth academy after making a switch from Anderlecht in 2019. His breakthrough at Genk earned him praise, and he quickly gained attention for his technical ability, vision, and intelligence on the ball.

In August 2023, Leicester secured his services for a reported fee of £21 million, handing him a four-year contract as they prepared for their return to the Premier League. Despite the club’s struggles throughout the 2023/24 campaign, El Khannouss remained one of their most consistent and creative players.

In total, the Moroccan international featured in 36 matches in all competitions for Leicester, scoring three goals and providing five assists. His ability to glide past defenders, pick out incisive passes, and create chances stood out. This has not only made him a fan favourite at Leicester but also caught the eye of top-flight clubs, including Wolves and Arsenal.

Key Stats From El Khannouss’ Debut Premier League Season

According to data from FBref, El Khannouss’ debut season in English football saw him play 32 times in the Premier League, including 27 starts. He scored twice and assisted three times, but his influence extended far beyond goals and assists.

His creative statistics were impressive for a debutant:

• Progressive passes per 90 minutes: 5.28
• Progressive carries per 90 minutes: 3.01
• Shot-creating actions per 90 minutes: 3.22
• Successful take-ons per 90 minutes: 56.7%

These metrics underline the value he brings as a modern playmaker — someone capable of driving the team forward, linking midfield and attack, and unlocking defences with flair and precision.

Wolves Want El Khannouss to Replace Matheus Cunha

Wolves’ interest in El Khannouss comes at a time when they are preparing to lose Matheus Cunha. The Brazilian forward is reportedly close to completing a blockbuster move to Manchester United worth up to £62.5 million.

With Cunha’s departure imminent, Wolves are proactively identifying options to fill the void, and El Khannouss has emerged as their top target. Sources indicate that influential figures within the Wolves hierarchy have been thoroughly impressed with the 21-year-old’s performances this season and see him as a long-term asset for the club.

GiveMeSport reports that Wolves are ready to meet Leicester’s valuation of around £22 million — the price believed to match his release clause. With three years left on his current contract and his stock rising, the Foxes are expected to hold firm on their asking price. However, Wolves are confident that the proceeds from Cunha’s transfer will comfortably cover the cost.

Arsenal Also Monitoring the Situation

Wolves may not be alone in their pursuit of El Khannouss. Premier League runners-up Arsenal are also said to be admirers of the Moroccan midfielder. Earlier this month, reports emerged claiming that Mikel Arteta has approved a move for El Khannouss, viewing him as a versatile and high-upside addition to the Gunners’ squad.

Arsenal’s interest, however, is yet to materialise into a formal bid. But with the summer transfer window yet to open officially, the race for El Khannouss’ signature could intensify over the coming weeks. Should both clubs go head-to-head for the Leicester starlet, a bidding war could ensue, potentially pushing the price higher.

A Blow for Leicester, But Profit Beckons

El Khannouss has become one of Leicester’s standout performers and arguably their best signing of recent seasons. His departure would undoubtedly be a significant loss, both technically and symbolically. Yet with relegation confirmed and financial realities setting in, the Foxes may have no choice but to sell him and reinvest in their squad.

Supporters will be disappointed to see such a promising talent leave so soon, but they may take solace in the fact that the club stands to make a tidy profit from his sale — especially if multiple Premier League clubs become involved in a bidding battle.

A Special Talent With a Big Future

At just 21, El Khannouss has plenty of room to grow. His breakout moment in a Leicester shirt came during a memorable 2-1 win away at Tottenham Hotspur in January, when he scored a sensational long-range winner. Performances like that have shown his ability to deliver on big occasions and his readiness for a bigger stage.

Whether it’s Wolves or Arsenal that wins the race for his signature, there is no doubt that El Khannouss is destined for a successful future in top-level football. Leicester’s loss could very well be another Premier League club’s gain.

As the summer transfer window draws closer, the El Khannouss saga is one to watch closely.