As the 2022 Qatar World Cup approaches its conclusion, clubs around Europe are set to go head-to-head for the stars of the tournament. As happens every four years, there is a number of players that come away from the tournament a wanted man and Morocco midfielder Azzedine Ounahi is one of them.
Ounahi helped lead Morocco make history in the Middle East as they became the first African nation ever to reach the semi-finals at the World Cup. He started all six games for Walid Regragui's side as they overcame Belgium in the group stages and knocked out Spain and Portugal on their way to the final four.
Sevilla were in for the 22-year-old in the summer but Ounahi, who was playing in the French third tier in 2021, remained at Angers and penned a new four-year contract. However, his performances for his nation has seen him attract interest from many of Europe's biggest clubs.
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Barcelona have emerged as a possible destination, with Leicester City 'ready' to make an £39million bid. Ounahi, who has showcased his ability to play in most roles in the middle of the park, looks set to be on his way in the winter training window.
Angers president Said Chabane has admitted that it will be difficult to keep hold of the midfielder and his compatriot Sofiane Boufal. "I tell myself that in June they will leave, or that in January they will leave," he said in an interview with RMC Sport.
"We are preparing for everything, we had a meeting this afternoon with the coach and the sports coordinator to try to consider all the possible scenarios and not end up in the water if it were to happen. You know very well that you can never hold back a player who wants to leave."
Whilst the Moroccan hasn't been linked with a move to the Emirates Stadium, his future could hand the Gunners a boost in their attempt to sign Youri Tielemans in January. The Belgian enters the final six months of his deal at Leicester and is likely to leave the club.
football.london understands that Arsenal are willing to wait for his deal to expire in June rather than pay £25million in January. However, should Brendan Rodgers' men manage to acquire Ounahi's services next month, it may open the door for them to lower their asking price of Tielemans to ensure they recoup a margin of the £40million they paid for him in 2019.
Tielemans has reportedly rejected a number of new offers by Leicester after reportedly wanting to play Champions League football, something Mikel Arteta's men should be able to offer for the 2023/24 season. The Gunners boss previously hinted that there was a "few" World Cup players that had impressed him and confirmed that the club were looking at reinforcements.
"We are looking and we are very active looking at the possibilities," he said after the 2-1 win over AC Milan. "If we can find the players that can strengthen the team we will try."
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