Newcastle United have reportedly enquired about Youri Tieleman’s availability, taking advantage of Arsenal’s indecision on the midfielder.
Newcastle United have enquired about Youri Tielemans, according to CBS Sports journalist Ben Jacobs. The Magpies enter the chase for the midfielder, who wants to join Arsenal as a preference, with an agreement over personal terms already in place.
Arsenal have been heavily linked with a move for Tielemans for a long time now. However, the Gunners have somewhat cooled their interest in the midfielder or postponed it until the latter stages of the window.
Arsenal are currently focusing on bringing attacking talents. Having agreed to sign Gabriel Jesus from Manchester City, the north Londoners were seemingly close to securing Raphinha. Unfortunately, Chelsea made matters worse by settling on a fee with Leeds United, although the Brazilian’s future remains undecided.
Lisandro Martinez is also someone Mikel Arteta wants and considering those pursuits, Arsenal have put the Tielemans chase on the backburner. The Leicester City midfielder was earmarked to become a Gunner in the summer, but there are other notable clubs keen on the Belgian.
Ben Jacobs insists Newcastle sporting director Dan Ashworth has enquired with Leicester City to understand the finer details about a potential operation to acquire the midfielder. If the conditions are right, the Magpies could enter the chase for Tielemans.
Tielemans remains relaxed about his situation with one year left on his contract with the Foxes. The Belgian favours Arsenal, with whom he has reportedly agreed on personal terms. But Edu’s indecision on making a formal approach has allowed the likes of Newcastle to make their case.
Joining the Magpies contrasts Tielemans’ ambitions to play with a big team and feature on the European stage. Despite harbouring ambitions of playing in the Champions League, the Belgian will only get Europa League football with the Gunners.
Meanwhile, Newcastle could offer future hopes of playing in Europe, and the temptation to join a big project could prove worthwhile. The Tynesiders are in a strong position to pay a reasonable fee and offer the midfielder a lucrative contract. However, the Belgian could wait for Arsenal’s approach.
Furthermore, Newcastle’s midfield setup consists of Joelinton, Bruno Guimaraes, and Jonjo Shelvey. So, they would have to convince Tielemans to join their roster.
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As things stand, the chase for Tielemans could pick up momentum in the next weeks. There’s a strong feeling about Arsenal remaining in the hunt. Still, with Newcastle and even Manchester United in the fray, Edu will need to act fast or risk losing one of their important midfield targets to rivals.
