Liverpool face new THREAT for Arne Slot's ideal playmaker

It promises to be a busy summer around Anfield. Liverpool sporting director Richard Hughes and head coach Arne Slot appear to be plotting an overhaul of the playing staff - despite being recently crowned Premier League champions.

We could see the likes of Caoimhin Kelleher, Joe Gomez, Jarell Quansah, Kostas Tsimikas, Diogo Jota, Federico Chiesa and Darwin Nunez leave the club if the right bids materialise.

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And that would leave a sizable dent in the first-team squad as well as a decent chunk of money to spend on upgrades. One name that has been in the frame for an Anfield arrival over the past couple of months is Bilal El Khannouss.

READ MORE: Liverpool AGREE to re-open talks with ex-Everton star

The 20-year-old has been a bright spot in Leicester’s doomed season, impressing in a midfield creator role since his arrival from Genk in summer.

Liverpool were interested back then - as revealed by Anfield Watch - but unwilling to meet an asking price estimated at around £20 million.

Described as an "ideal playmaker" for Arne Slot, El Khannouss boasts a high defensive work-rate - a key component of the Liverpool coach's football.

Arsenal rival Liverpool for El Khannouss

Leicester took the plunge instead, tying the Morocco international to the King Power until 2028. However, it’s expected he will LEAVE following their relegation to the Championship and amid PSR concerns for the club.

Liverpool could be right there again for El Khannouss, who won’t be short of suitors elsewhere in the Premier League. Indeed it’s been reported that ARSENAL are already in active negotiations for the schemer.

That’s according to a report in Fichajes, which claims Mikel Arteta’s side are prepared to pay €30m for the Belgian-born midfielder.

Arsenal negotiations 'ongoing' for El Khannouss

“Arsenal have begun exploring options to strengthen their midfield, and one name that has emerged strongly on the list of potential signings is Bilal El Khannouss, a young Moroccan talent who joined Leicester City this season,” the report states.

“Although negotiations are still ongoing, the Gunners are willing to make an offer for the midfielder to add him to their long-term project.”

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Liverpool have missed out on several transfer targets over the past couple of windows - including Omar Marmoush and Nico Gonzalez to Manchester City in January.

If the club are serious about adding El Khannouss to the ranks, then they need to get the job done before it’s too late.