Arsenal are considered frontrunners to sign Youri Tielemans after the midfielder hinted at a move away from Leicester City.
According to Brussels-based outlet DH Net, Youri Tielemans is set to quit Leicester as he hinted at a new challenge to further his career. The 25-year-old is reportedly close to signing for Arsenal, who have emerged as frontrunners for the midfielder’s signature.
Arsenal have their priorities set for the summer, with Mikel Arteta targeting specific players for specialist roles within the squad. The Gunners made a big splash last summer as they signed six players to strengthen many areas of the team and could be set for another major splurge in the upcoming window.
Arsenal narrowly missed out on a top-four place despite being touted as favourites to play Champions League football next season. They will lose out on massive financial benefits due to their failure to qualify for the competition, but that has not deterred their transfer ideas.
Arteta is keen on bringing a striker, a midfielder, a full-back, and a wide forward in the window. Additionally, they want to extend the contracts of players like Gabriel Martinelli and Bukayo Saka as the manager builds a solid team for the future.
Gabriel Jesus and Youri Tielemans are still top of the list for Arsenal this summer. Expectation on GJ is for him to join a Premier League club, as reported today morning. ⚪️? #AFC
Tielemans is priority signing and new contacts with Leicester will take place soon. ⤵️ https://t.co/QxqkRqpkZA
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) June 8, 2022
One of their primary requirements is to sign a new midfielder who could cover an attacking No. 8 position on the left side. Arteta wants a player who can slot in the role similar to that of Martin Odegaard on the right side and remains keen on bringing a player with Premier League experience.
Youri Tielemans is Arsenal’s priority target, as reported by multiple outlets and journalists. The Belgian is entering the final year of his deal, and will not be signing a new deal at Leicester City. Arsenal are reportedly preparing a bid for the Belgian, as Arteta wants to secure the midfielder before other rivals come into the picture.
Tielemans’ recent comments while on international duty seemed to hint he is ready to quit Leicester in the summer and move towards a new challenge. He said: “I have to stay calm. I feel good at Leicester and am in no hurry to leave. It’s up to me to make the right decision about my future.
“My departure from Leicester has not been finalized. I still have everything given for the club, but I know that you have to make choices at certain times in your career. Each player must make a decision for him and according to the project offered to him.”
Despite the Gunners missing out on Champions League football, Tielemans is reportedly open to joining the project. Arteta is also looking at Oleksandr Zinchenko from Manchester City, with the Spanish boss seemingly open to playing him as a midfielder.
Tielemans could be the ideal player to upgrade Arsenal’s midfield, as Arteta looks to switch to a 4-3-3 permanently. Even though fingers are pointed at his shortcomings in defensive work, the 25-year-old has the attacking mindset needed for a player in the position.
Arsenal could look to wrap up the move as soon as the international break ends and then have Tielemans take part in the pre-season, as the Gunners will play their first game exactly a month from now. There is still plenty of work to be done to conclude the deal, but the north Londoners remain in pole position.