Arsenal plan on signing Youri Tielemans on a free transfer next summer, although the idea could change with new developments in the coming days.
According to football.london, Arsenal plan on making a Bosman move for Youri Tielemans in the 2023 summer transfer window when his Leicester City contract expires. Alternatively, the Gunners may be forced to accelerate a move if other interested clubs push forward with a move in this year.
Youri Tielemans has clarified his stance about not signing a new contract with Leicester City and his desire to move to a bigger club. The 25-year-old would have ideally liked to join a club playing in the UEFA Champions League, but talks between him and Edu Gaspar of Arsenal have changed plenty of ideas.
The Gunners have been pursuing the Belgian midfielder since January, and they pondered making a cut-price move in the current window. However, Leicester are sticking with their asking price of around a reported £32 million, which the Gunners are unwilling to pay for a player in the final year of his deal.
Reports suggest Tielemans only wants to join Arsenal despite interest from other clubs such as Manchester United, Newcastle United, and possibly West Ham United. The 25-year-old wanted to move this summer, and whether he is open to waiting for another year remains the question.
Arsenal are still expected to make a late move for the Belgian midfielder, although the conditions may have to be favourable with regards to the price tag. The north Londoners are currently focused on bringing in a wide attacker, with Yeremy Pino recently emerging as a target.
As for Tielemans, several big clubs are eager to sign him on a free transfer, but Arsenal’s stance could dramatically change if other suitors make an offer now. Paying Leicester’s asking price would not be a problem for a club like Newcastle United, which may force the Gunners to change their plans.
It is somewhat apparent that Arsenal remain keen on Tielemans but are not prepared to pay over the odds for a player in the final year of his deal. Meanwhile, Leicester are hopeful of keeping the 25-year-old midfielder at the King Power Stadium and tie him to a one-year extension, which protects his current value.
In that scenario, Arsenal will have to accelerate their plans and make a reasonable offer this summer. The north London outfit need a new midfielder, although they are currently well stocked in the area.
