Sources: Wolves are exploring every possibility to sign mind-blowing £22M playmaker as Mathues Cunha’s ideal replacement
Wolverhampton Wanderers have set their sights on making a move for Leicester City star Bilal El Khannouss after realising that it will be difficult to lure Harvey Elliott away from Liverpool when Molineux recruitment chiefs have been going in search of fresh creativity, GIVEMESPORT sources have revealed.
Matheus Cunha has been given permission to undergo a medical at Manchester United, thanks to the terms of his £62.5million release clause being met, and Wolves head coach Vitor Pereira is determined to fill the void that will be left by the fan favourite as preparations are made for the summer transfer window officially opening for business.
Emmanuel Agbadou has been Wanderers’ most expensive acquisition since the Portuguese tactician headed into the dugout, with the central defender completing a £16.6million switch from Reims in January, but there is a desire to bring in attacking reinforcements in the coming months.
Wanderers Aim to Win Race for El Khannouss
Morocco international could be handed route back to top flight
Wolves want to sign El Khannouss as a direct replacement for Cunha, according to GMS sources, after he has caught the eye of influential figures behind the scenes when they have been seeking a creative force who is capable of becoming their new talisman heading into next season.
Pereira is aiming to offer the Morocco international an immediate route back to the Premier League after suffering relegation with Leicester, but his current employers have already made it clear that it will take a bid in the region of £22million to make them entertain the possibility of sanctioning his departure.
GMS sources have been informed that Wolves are very keen on wrapping up a deal for El Khannouss, who enjoyed a promising first campaign in the Premier League on a personal level, resulting in there being a serious possibility of testing their Midlands rivals’ resolve when the transfer window reopens.
The 21-year-old playmaker has been described as ‘mind-blowing’ by scout Jacek Kulig and, with him having to settle for Championship action if he cannot find a route out of the King Power Stadium, Wanderers have pinpointed him as a target who fits the bill as they look to recover from the imminent loss of Cunha.
But Wolves are in danger of facing stiff competition for El Khannouss’ signature as GMS sources have learned that Arsenal, who have booked their place in the Champions League and will be vying for silverware next term, have also considered making a move when exploring the market.
Pereira Facing Uphill Battle to Seal Elliott Deal
Price tag not on course to drop when transfer window reopens
GMS sources have been told that Wolves have turned their attentions towards El Khannouss as it has become clear that they will struggle to land Elliott thanks to Liverpool refusing to lower their demands even though there is no clarity over how he will fit into Anfield boss Arne Slot’s plans as he aims to defend the Premier League title.
The former Fulham youngster still has two years remaining on his £40,000-per-week contract, resulting in the Merseyside heavyweights not being under immediate pressure to cash in, and that is threatening to complicate matters for Wanderers as the summer transfer window edges closer.
Wolves have held a couple of rounds of informal discussions over Elliott, GMS sources understand, but they have come to terms with having their work cut out to recruit him and that has led to them looking at alternative options at a time when they are also expected to sign an additional forward to become more of a goal threat.
Although GMS sources recently revealed that Arsenal chief Mikel Arteta has approved advancing a move for El Khannouss, which may hamper Pereira in his pursuit of a deal, Wanderers are firmly in the running for his services as they attempt to quickly line up a replacement for Cunha.
All statistics courtesy of Sofascore – correct as of 28/05/2025
