Arsenal 'target Leicester star' after Ruud van Nistelrooy gives strong verdict

Arsenal are reportedly eyeing a move for Leicester's young talent, Bilal El Khannouss, who has earned huge praise from manager Ruud van Nistelrooy. The Gunners are looking to strengthen Mikel Arteta's squad in preparation for another title challenge next season.

Despite finishing as runners-up in the last two seasons and falling below Liverpool this term, Arsenal are keen to bolster their attacking midfield options. Captain Martin Odegaard has been a consistent presence under Arteta, barring injuries, but his form has dipped since recovering from an ankle issue.

With no one in Arteta's current line-up able to effectively replace Odegaard, Arsenal are scouting potential competitors for their captain next season. Fabio Vieira could have been a contender, but his disappointing loan spell at Porto suggests his time at the Emirates Stadium may be up, paving the way for El Khannouss as a potential candidate.

The 20-year-old joined Leicester from Genk last August in a £21million deal and has stood out in a dismal season for the Foxes, which saw them relegated to the Championship. According to , Arsenal are keeping tabs on the young playmaker, who was named Genk's player of the season in his final year in Belgium.

Despite concerns about his physicality, his 'incredible technique and vision' have caught the attention of the Gunners. Arteta could see El Khannouss as a 'useful squad addition', and with Leicester's drop to the Championship, he might come at a bargain despite having three years left on his contract. He has impressed with three goals and five assists in 35 appearances this season.

Van Nistelrooy is evidently an admirer of El Khannouss, consistently selecting him for Leicester's starting XI since taking charge at the King Power Stadium. The Dutch legend has even suggested that the midfielder has what it takes to shine in the Champions League.

"His potential is there to be a top player in the Champions League. He can go a long way," said the Leicester boss earlier in the campaign. "He's not afraid to challenge the big teams in the league.

"He did very well in the home game (against Manchester City). He's young, he came into the Premier League this season. He's developing really well. He's looking to add to his numbers. It's a matter of time, the goals and assists, there are still games for him to add to those numbers.

"He's a hard worker, he wants to improve. He's very young still. He's one definitely for the future of this club, to bring the club forward. He's come from the Belgian league to the Premier League. He's playing into a team where we're in the situation where we are.

"He's a technical player and he needs to be on the ball a lot. That's where his strengths are. For where we are, sometimes there are different games for him, but for his development it's great."