Bilal El Khannouss has been the subject of transfer speculation ahead of the summer transfer window and Leicester City may need to find a replacement.
El Khannouss joined Leicester City from Genk in the summer and has since become arguably their most successful signing of that window.
In an incredibly difficult campaign for the Foxes, the Moroccan international has been exceptional, carving through defences from his attacking midfield role.
The 20-year-old has the whole of the footballing world at his feet, and unsurprisingly, Arsenal have shown an interest in El Khannouss.
So, with Leicester likely to be relegated back to the Championship, it seems their 2004-born star could remain in the Premier League. Here are three players we think could replace him.
Three players who could replace Bilal El Khannouss
Will Alves
The cheapest way for Leicester to save millions and excite supporters is by replacing El Khannouss with ‘top talent’ Will Alves.
Since emerging through the academy system at the King Power Stadium, the 19-year-old has shown lots of potential, although most of his progress was hampered by an ACL injury suffered in December 2022.
Now, Alves is enjoying a loan spell at Cardiff City in the Championship, his first taste of senior football away from Leicester.
The tricky midfield talent, who was adored by Brendan Rodgers, could become a prominent player for Leicester with relegation on the cards, slotting straight into an attacking midfield role.
Diego Rossi
For the second name on this list, Leicester could look for some inspiration from the United States and try to prise Diego Rossi from Columbus Crew.
The 27-year-old is performing superbly this term in the MLS, scoring three goals in just seven matches in all competitions.
Standing at just 5’7″, Rossi possesses a low centre of gravity that can see him bypass defenders in a flash and create a moment of magic from nothing.
As highlighted by FBref, the Uruguayan international has averaged 0.45 non-penalty goals per 90 in the past year and 2.5 shots per game, evincing his goal threat.
Leicester could land Rossi for a bargain price from the MLS and he could be keen to showcase his talent in England.
Facundo Colidio
Inspired by the loan signing of Facundo Buonanotte last summer, Leicester could sign his fellow countryman Facundo Colidio, who currently plays for River Plate.
The silky playmaker has impressed for several years in Argentina with 21 goals and six assists in 76 appearances for River Plate.
Still only 25-years-old, the attacking midfielder – who can also play up front – has his best years still ahead of him and could fill El Khannouss’ creative void in the Championship.
Also, with several talented players coming from Argentina previously, none more so than Lionel Messi, there is hope that Colidio can be the next gem unearthed from South America.