Arsenal will reportedly face stiff competition from Newcastle United for the signature of Youri Tielemans.

The Gunners were heavily linked with a move for Youri Tielemans throughout the 2022 summer transfer window. The Leicester City midfielder has a contract until the end of the season, after which he will be available on a free transfer. Tielemans was also reportedly not considering a contract extension and was available for just €25 million.

However, the Gunners ultimately abstained from signing the Belgian midfielder. Arsenal had already signed Fabio Vieira to add steel to their midfield, while Mohamed Elneny also signed a contract extension. Oleksandr Zinchenko could also be used in the midfield if necessary.

Newcastle United Pull Ahead Of Arsenal In Race For Youri Tielemans

Additionally, the option of signing Youri Tielemans at a reduced price in six months, or as a free agent in one year, appeared to be a realistic option for Arsenal. The former AS Monaco midfielder is just 25 years old and has several years of top-level football left. His reported €35k-a-week wages are also very affordable for Arsenal.

However, Newcastle United have now edged ahead of Arsenal in the race for Youri Tielemans. According to French outlet Jeunes Footeux, the Magpies are planning to launch a bid for Tielemans as soon as the winter transfer window opens.

Newcastle are determined to push Leicester hard to sell their midfielder and are expected to open with a bid of around €20m. Leicester could struggle to refuse the offer, as Tielemans would be available on a free transfer just 6 months later.

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However, Tielemans aspires to play European football, a benefit Arsenal offer but Newcastle United do not. The Gunners have also lined up a move for Douglas Luiz. Arsenal lodged 3 unsuccessful bids for the Brazilian on deadline day. They could very well resume their pursuit of Luiz in case they fail to land Youri Tielemans.

Should Arsenal try to sign Youri Tielemans in the winter transfer window? Would Douglas Luiz be a better option for Arteta’s system? Are there any other players that the Gunners could target to bolster their midfield? Let us know in the comments.

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