Newcastle United are reportedly ready to battle Arsenal for the signing of Youri Tielemans in the summer, as the race for the midfielder remains open.
According to Fichajes, the race to sign Youri Tielemans is not over yet, with Newcastle United entering the chase for the 25-year-old Belgian international. Arsenal are reportedly closing in on signing the Leicester City playmaker but may have to deal with intense competition from the Magpies.
For weeks, Arsenal have been reported as the favourites to sign Youri Tielemans in the summer. The Gunners are interested in signing the midfielder due to his playing style and how he could upgrade Mikel Arteta’s squad. The financial opportunity in the deal, which favours the Gunners, cannot be ignored either.
Yet, some sources insist nothing is agreed and despite the interest from Arsenal, the Belgian midfielder may be keeping his options open. Tielemans has been a key part of Brendan Rodgers’s Leicester City squad in the last few years but is certain to leave the club in the summer.
Leicester would have loved to keep him on board for the long-term future, but with a year remaining on his deal, they will be forced to sell him. The financial opportunity for the Foxes may be limited, but it is still better to cash in now rather than let him depart on a free transfer in 2023.
Arsenal’s requirement for an attack-minded midfielder is no secret, and hence the Gunners are reportedly close to agreeing on a move for Tielemans when the season ends. Moreover, their chances will be boosted with UEFA Champions League qualification, although the top-four race is wide open after Tottenham won the North London Derby.
Newcastle United are now interested in spoiling Arsenal’s plans to sign Tielemans, with the Magpies entering the race to land the 25-year-old Belgian international.
The Saudi Arabia-backed, cash-rich Premier League side are expected to embark on an important transfer window, already touted as the biggest in their history. Eddie Howe wants to strengthen his options after making key additions to the Newcastle squad in January.
The Magpies have ambitions to finish in the top six next season, and it may be necessary to bring in some big-name players. As is the case with their links with Darwin Nunez, Newcastle are seeking more options in the middle of the pitch, with Tielemans the latest target.
Newcastle did sign Bruno Guimaraes in January, who plays a similar role to Tielemans. However, their intent to sign the 25-year-old Belgian international may point towards Howe adapting a 4-3-3 system next season.
Also Read: Three potential destinations for Youri Tielemans
As things stand, Newcastle could easily match Leicester City’s asking price and may also offer a financially sound package to the player. Their inability to not compete in Europe may become a problem, and Arsenal have the upper hand in this aspect. In all, the race to sign Tielemans could be set to take more twists as he may join one of Arsenal and Newcastle.
