Newcastle to ramp up move for one of “best prospects in the world”, he’s Ben Arfa 2.0
The storm clouds continue to gather over St James’ Park as Newcastle United navigate one of their most turbulent transfer windows in recent memory.
At the center of the maelstrom sits Alexander Isak, whose refusal to play for the club again has cast a long shadow over preparations for their Champions League return.
Yet while this high-profile standoff dominates headlines, Eddie Howe’s recruitment team quietly pursues an intriguing mix of established talent and exciting prospects to reshape their squad.
The Magpies have already secured Anthony Elanga and Aaron Ramsdale, but their ambitions stretch far beyond these initial acquisitions. Porto’s Samu Aghehowa and Brentford’s Yoane Wissa remain on their radar, offering potential solutions to their attacking conundrum.
However, it’s the emerging interest in Leicester’s Bilal El Khannouss that could prove the most fascinating development of Newcastle’s summer.
The Ben Arfa Comparison That Should Excite Toon Army
At just 21 years old, El Khannouss showcased remarkable maturity during Leicester’s disastrous Premier League campaign.
His technical profile bears striking similarities to former Newcastle cult hero Hatem Ben Arfa, combining audacious dribbling with creative vision. The Moroccan international’s statistics from last season reveal a player who thrived despite his team’s struggles:
| Statistic | Performance | Leicester Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Goals | 2 | 5th |
| Assists | 3 | 3rd |
| Expected Assists | 4.6 | 1st |
| Big Chances Created | 8 | 1st |
| Progressive Carries | 73 | 2nd |
| Key Passes | 42 | 1st |
| Successful Take-ons | 34 | 2nd |
| Touches in Attacking 3rd | 445 | 1st |
These numbers paint the picture of a creative hub who carried Leicester’s attacking threat almost single-handedly.
Scouts have lauded El Khannouss as “one of the best prospects in the world,” with his ability to progress play and unlock defenses making him an ideal fit for Howe’s system. The reported £30 million release clause in his contract represents significant value for a player of his potential.
While pursuing emerging talents like El Khannouss, Newcastle must simultaneously address the gaping hole left by Isak’s impending departure. The Swedish striker’s scorched-earth approach – refusing to train or play despite having three years remaining on his contract – has left club officials furious and fans disillusioned.
This bitter standoff threatens to overshadow what should be an exciting period as Newcastle prepare for their Champions League return.
The pursuit of Wissa offers one solution, with the Brentford forward’s 19-goal Premier League campaign last season proving he can thrive at the highest level.
However, the potential addition of El Khannouss would provide something different – the kind of unpredictable creativity that could elevate Newcastle’s attacking play to new heights.
This summer encapsulates Newcastle’s current dichotomy – caught between the frustration of losing established stars and the excitement of building for the future.
While the Isak situation represents everything wrong with modern player power, targets like El Khannouss symbolize the club’s ambition to identify and develop the next generation of stars.
As the September 1 deadline approaches, Newcastle’s hierarchy faces critical decisions. Do they dig in their heels with Isak? Can they land their primary targets?
And might El Khannouss emerge as the wildcard signing that transforms their attacking options? One thing remains certain – at St James’ Park, the drama never stops.