Arsenal are reportedly prepared to lodge a €35 million bid to sign Leicester City midfielder Youri Tielemans.
According to a report from Fichajes, Arsenal are set to make the first move in their pursuit of Youri Tielemans. The Leicester City starlet has emerged as one of the top targets for the Premier League giants ahead of the new season, as Mikel Arteta looks to shore up his options in the middle of the park.
The report suggests Arsenal are readying a €35 million bid to secure the services of Tielemans. The Belgian midfielder’s current deal at Leicester City expires at the end of next season, and the player has made the decision to leave the King Power Stadium in favour of a new adventure elsewhere.
Formerly of the RSC Anderlecht youth academy, Tielemans has been a part of the Leicester City setup since the start of 2019. He had initially joined the club on a short-term loan deal, but following excellent performances during the second half of the campaign 2018/19 campaign, his move was made permanent in the following summer.
During his time at Leicester City, the Belgian international has featured in over 150 competitive appearances for the club. His aggression, work ethic and ability to pressure the opposing ball carriers have made Tielemans a crucial outlet in Leicester’s second line of press. His performances have been critical in the club’s success under Brendan Rodgers.
A man in demand. (Photo by David Rogers/Getty Images)
After spending three and a half years at the King Power Stadium, though, Tielemans is looking for a new challenge. The 25-year-old has emerged as a target for the newly-minted Newcastle United. But Arsenal remain the likely destination for the midfielder, as the Gunners have been tracking his situation since the January transfer window.
Arteta rates the Leicester starlet quite highly due to his qualities in the press. With Thomas Partey’s spell at the Emirates marred by injuries, the Arsenal boss considers the Belgian international an ideal alternative for Partey and Granit Xhaka in the coming season. Tielemans’s addition to the team could ultimately strengthen the overall depth of the Arsenal midfield.
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In addition to his qualities in the press, Tielemans brings loads of experience at the highest level of football. It makes him a safer option than Arsenal’s other midfield target in Corentin Tolisso, especially if the Gunners can bag his services of just €35 million in the coming summer.
