Arsenal Open Talks With Leicester City Midfielder Youri Tielemans

Youri Tielemans, Arsenal, Leicester City

According to latest reports in England, Arsenal have made contact with Leicester City midfielder Youri Tielemans. The Gunners have already initiated talks with the Belgian international regarding a potential transfer in the upcoming summer transfer window.

The Gunners have been linked with the Belgian midfielder for multiple seasons now but a move never materialised. They tried signing him last summer too but later decided upon waiting one more year before making a move for him as a free agent.

The 25-year-old is one of the most important players in the Foxes squad. He has helped the club win the FA Cup and the FA Community Shield. The midfielder has featured 26 times for the English club this season, scoring 3 goals and setting up 1.

According to Football Insider, Arsenal have opened talks with Youri Tielemans over a potential summer move. The Belgian midfielder’s contract with Leicester ends this summer and multiple clubs are looking to secure his signature on a free transfer.

FC Barcelona and Newcastle United are reportedly interested in signing the 25-year-old. Liverpool were also amongst the clubs pursuing the former Monaco midfielder. Nonetheless, they have now pulled out of the race as they have deemed him “not mobile enough” for their requirements.

However, the report from Football Insider states that the Belgium international’s wage demands are extremely lofty. Nevertheless, the North London side’s progress this campaign may act as a catalyst for this deal to take place. The Foxes see themselves in the relegation zone which could lure him away from the King Power Stadium.

🚨 Exclusive: Arsenal Negotiations for Leicester Star Confirmed, But Player Pricing Himself Out of Move

🗣️ Arsenal have held discussions with Youri Tielemans' camp but backed away due to massive wage demands.

🗣️ Tielemans' contract demands have left Arsenal, Newcastle, and… pic.twitter.com/e9yvJNbw23

— Arsenal Informer (@ars_informer) April 4, 2023

On the other hand, Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta can profit a lot by signing Tielemans this summer. The central midfielder will add a different skill set to the team compared to what the Spanish manager currently has at the disposal.

The North London club currently have Granit Xhaka and Thomas Partey as the starting options. It has been a redemption season for Xhaka considering the backlash he has received in the previous seasons. However, he is now 30-years-old and the Gunners will need a good backup option for the Swiss international. On the other hand, the Ghanaian has been one of the best players for Arsenal this season.

Should Arsenal Go All the Way to Sign Youri Tielemans?

Youri Tielemans scored a wonder goal in the 2021 FA Cup final against Chelsea. It helped Leicester City lift their first-ever FA Cup trophy and also their first trophy since the ‘fairytale’ Premier League win in the 2015-16 season. He was one of the favourite players of Brendan Rodgers and flourished under the British manager.

Granit Xhaka has been phenomenal for the North London side this season. But there are very limited options on the Gunners bench in case the Swiss midfielder gets suspended or injured and the odds of him getting suspended are very high.

Moreover, Arsenal are only competing in the Premier League this season and are knocked out of every other competition. Although the Gunners may have handed Man City a massive advantage to win the Premier League title this season, they will be looking to compete for the trophy again along with other competitions from next season onwards.

Arteta needs squad depth to achieve that and the rotation of Tielemans and Xhaka can help the Spanish manager in doing so. The North London will play in the Champions League next season, so the quality of depth will also have to be good.

The Belgian does an excellent job of gluing the defence and attack. At the peak of his abilities, he will be able to achieve even more with the support of better-quality teammates and coaches at the Emirates. He could be very decisive in the Champions League for the Gunners next season.

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