Arsenal have reportedly joined Tottenham in the summer pursuit of highly-rated Anderlecht prodigy Youri Tielemans
As per Italian publication Calciomercato, Arsenal are showing interest in Anderlecht wonderkid Youri Tielemans. The Belgian sensation has been widely touted as the next global superstar and was linked with Tottenham recently. But the Gunners seem set to rival Spurs for the playmaker.
Youri Tielemans is perhaps one of those rare gems that does not need an introduction, even at the nascent age of 19. The player has been touted as the next big thing since long, and not just in Belgium.
He is already a full-fledged Belgian international and has already racked up 168 senior appearances for Anderlecht, unwavering numbers for a 19-year-old. This season, Tielemans has a return of 16 goals and 9 assists in 36 appearances in all competitions; numbers that make for excellent reading, especially for a midfielder.
The player has been linked with an array of top European clubs since making the grade at Anderlecht. The rumours had taken a backseat since. But recently, Tottenham were reported to be eyeing a summer swoop for Tielemans and scouted the attacker as Anderlecht faced Zenit St. Petersburg in the Europa League.
Daniel Levy has made a point in recruiting highly talented youngsters to be a part of the White Hart Lane squad, something that Pochettino is well aware of and is even content with, perhaps. The recruitment policy is also paying dividends, as seen in the example of Dele Alli.
Arsenal, though, are unlikely to have their local rivals a clear run in towards Youri Tielemans. The Gunners are in a contract standoff with Alexis Sanchez and Mesut Ozil. Should one or both end up leaving, Arsenal will have vacant spots in the starting lineup.
Tottenham and Arsenal’s over-reliance on the attacking front is visible and an addition of a central midfielder as prolific as Tielemans could go a long way in their title challenge. The player, though, won’t come cheap.
The 19-year-old has a long-term deal at Anderlecht, one that runs till 2020, which gives the club the advantage in negotiations with the suitors. A fee has not been touted but it is expected to be in the higher echelons. But the amount will most likely be deserving and perhaps even a bargain, judging by the level of talent he possesses.
