Lazio Planning To Offer Escape Route for Leicester City Playmaker
Lazio are reportedly keeping close tabs on Bilal El Khannouss as Leicester City edge ever closer to relegation.
The 20-year-old is an attacking midfielder who was born and raised in Belgium but eventually declared for his country of origin, Morocco, on the international stage. After rising through the ranks of Anderlecht, he went on to make a name for himself at Genk, thus earning a €21 million transfer to Leicester last summer.
Leicester City Destined for Demotion
The young playmaker has been a regular starter in Ruud van Nistelrooy’s side this season, making 29 appearances in all competitions, while contributing with three goals and four assists. However, the Foxes are nine points off the safety zone in the Premier League table, so their fate appears to be sealed already.
So according to Africa Soccer, El Khannouss will request a transfer in the summer as he doesn’t intend to play his football in the English Championship next season. The source names three clubs interested in the Moroccan’s services, beginning with Arsenal who have been monitoring him closely.
Lazio Seeking Permanent Transfer for Bilal El Khannouss
The report also adds that RB Leipzig are interested in signing the youngster on loan next season, whereas Lazio are looking to strike a permanent transfer. However, it remains to be seen if the Biancocelesti would have the financial means required to pull off the operation, as Transfermarkt estimates the player’s value at circa €30 million, and he’s tied to Leicester until June 2028.
Boulaye Dia Replacement?
El Khannouss could be considered a younger and more natural replacement for Boulaye Dia who has been operating as an attacking midfielder in Marco Baroni’s 4-2-3-1 formation this season. The Senegalese’s future is reportedly uncertain at this stage due to the slump he’s enduring in the second half of the season.
