Arsenal is reportedly keeping a close eye on Moroccan international Omar El Hilali, the Espagnol Barcelona right-back, ahead of the next summer transfer window.
According to British news outlet The Sun, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta looks to bolster his defensive ranks ahead of next year’s campaign and sees the young Moroccan as a perfect fit for Arsenal’s high-defensive block and pressing system.
Espagnol has slapped a $16-million price tag on their prized full-back – a figure Arsenal board are reportedly ready to meet as they hope to reinforce their right-back options.
El Hilali has impressed this season, racking up 25 league appearances in La Liga, delivering two assists, and boasting a solid 59% aerial duel success rate and 64% win rate in ground battles.
Morocco’s head coach, Walid Regragui awarded the defender with a first-time call-up to the national team ahead of World Cup qualifiers against Niger and Tanzania on March 21 and 25 in Oujda.
Born in Spain, El Hilali has come through Espagnol’s ranks and has always voiced his willingness in interviews to play for Morocco’s senior squad. He was part of Morocco’s U23 Africa Cup of Nations-winning squad in 2023.
Arsenal has been struggling with an injury crisis this season. Takehiro Tomiyaso is out of the season with a knee injury, while Jakub Kiwior has struggled to convince. Arteta is keen to add fresh legs to compete against Ben White and Jurrien Timber for the right-back spot.
And it’s not just El Hilali on Arsenal’s radar. Reports suggest the North Londoners are also interested in signing Espagnol’s Joan Garcia, meaning that the Gunners could soon mount a double raid on the Catalan club.
