Arteta gives Arsenal green-light to sign "magician" with offer now lined up

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has given the green-light for his side to pursue a creative attacking player, with sporting director Andrea Berta apparently lining up an offer in response.

Mikel Arteta makes Arsenal summer transfer admission

Arteta has already admitted that the Gunners are set for a “big” summer transfer window, following the arrival of Berta as Edu Gaspar’s replacement.

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The Gunners have made significant progress ahead of this summer.

The Spaniard also revealed his excitement over what could be in store for Arsenal when the window reopens, with some reports claiming the north Londoners could spend as much as £300 million on seven major signings (GiveMeSport).

“It’s going to be a big one (summer) and we are very excited about it,” said Arteta on Arsenal’s 2025 summer transfer plans.

“When you are going to go again, we want to increase the depth of the squad and the quality and the skills that we need to go to the next step.

“Every summer is big because it is an opportunity and especially because of the number of players we have in the squad right now that is necessary. But it’s a big summer for many things, because first of all, we have to maintain the good foundations that we have and then obviously how can we improve and evolve the team.”

Additions are expected in the final third particularly, with Berta looking to end Arsenal’s long wait for a prolific striker to lead Arteta’s forward line.

Arsenal are already making “significant” progress on a move for Sporting CP star Viktor Gyokeres, according to some reports, while it is also believed that Berta is targeting new wide players.

Mikel Arteta green-lights Arsenal move for Bilal El Khannouss

Now, as per GiveMeSport, Leicester City playmaker Bilal El Khannouss has found his way on to their radar as well.

The Moroccan has been a bright spark in an otherwise disappointing campaign for the relegated Foxes, and high-ranking Emirates Stadium officials have recommended him to Arteta.

According to GMS, the manager agrees with their verdict, with Arteta giving his approval for Arsenal to move for El Khannouss. As a result, the club are now lining up a potential £22 million bid for the African.

Interestingly, El Khannouss scored a match-winning goal against Tottenham earlier this season, and he’s been called a “magician” for his exploits at the King Power Stadium.

The 20-year-old has bagged a total of three goals and six assists in all competitions this season, playing both out wide and as an attacking midfielder. Since joining Leicester from KRC Genk last summer, he’s taken to English football quickly despite his young age, and has even earned plaudits from Pep Guardiola.

“He (Guardiola) said he was impressed by my play today,” said El Khannouss after a loss to Man City earlier this season.

“I am not. I know myself and this is the player I can be. I have to show that every week now. After a few games now, I am adapted. People can see now who I am. I will continue to work on this and build.”