Arsenal are “looking at” potentially signing Leicester City midfielder Youri Tielemans in the coming weeks, according to Sky Sports reporter Dharmesh Sheth.
Mikel Arteta wants to improve his options in the middle of the park, and Tielemans has emerged as a possible target for the Gunners with Fabrizio Romano confirming he’s still a target despite the imminent arrival of Fabio Vieira at the Emirates.
What’s the latest news involving Tielemans?
Tielemans’ contract at Leciester is set to expire in 2023, and it remains uncertain whether or not he will extend his stay at the King Power Stadium.
TalkSPORT reporter Alex Crook recently told GIVEMESPORT that Arsenal are the “frontrunners” to sign the 25-year-old, as things stand, although he also noted that Tottenham have also shown some interest in signing the Belgian international.
However, Spurs have signed another midfielder in the shape of Yves Bissouma from Brighton, which could leave Arsenal with a free run at Tielemans.
What has Sheth said about Tielemans?
Sheth has suggested that Arsenal are weighing up a move for Tielemans, and thinks Leicester may have no choice but to sell the £120,000-a-week star this summer due to his contract situation.
Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, Sheth said: “He is one of the names that Arsenal are looking at in that midfield area. Leicester are in a little bit of a pickle with Tielemans, simply because he’s only got a year left on his contract, and so far, any contract offers have been rebuffed by Youri Tielemans. It looks like if Leicester want to get some money for Tielemans, then they’ll have to cash in this summer.”
Is Tielemans the man to take Arsenal’s midfield to the next level?
For the majority of the 2021/22 campaign, Arteta relied on a midfield pairing of Granit Xhaka and Thomas Partey behind Martin Odegaard who filled the No. 10 role.
Xhaka and Partey have plenty of experience, and both did solid jobs for the north London outfit, but the latter has had fitness issues over the last two years, while Xhaka continues to make costly mistakes, such as getting sent off against Manchester City at the start of the campaign, and then giving away a penalty against the same opponents in January.
Tielemans is an experienced player himself, having picked up over 50 caps for Belgium, and at 25, he should be entering his peak.
He is also capable of producing game-changing moments, like when he scored the winning goal in the FA Cup final for Leicester last year.
He is arguably more well-rounded and reliable than Xhaka and Partey, and signing him this summer could give Arsenal the final push that they need to get back into the top four next term.
