Arsenal’s links to Youri Tielemans have been ongoing throughout the summer transfer window without any serious breakthrough. But, this could be set to change after the recent transfer merry-go-round.
According to French news outlet Foot Mercato Houssem Aouar, who had previously been close to a move to Arsenal, is now Leicester City’s priority target to replace James Maddison, who has been heavily linked with a move to Newcastle. Sky Sports have reported that the Magpies have registered two bids for the former Arsenal target.
Aouar has a lot of versatility in the centre of midfield, with the Frenchman able to play directly in the middle of the park or in a more advanced role. With him able to cover multiple positions in the midfield, Leicester could be more willing to sell Tielemans, which could give Arsenal more encouragement to complete a deal.
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The Gunners will need to sign a midfielder due to a lack of depth and quality in the middle of the park. CBS Sports reported earlier in the season that Tielemans would be available for £25m, which makes him an absolute bargain to solve Arsenal's midfield issues.
The 24-year-old has been a regular in the Premier League for the last three seasons and has played a big part in Leicester's Champions League push over the last few campaigns. The midfielder's impressive performances have seen the likes of Liverpool and Real Madrid show interest in him.
More importantly, he has already played in 20 Champions League games, showing that he has the necessary European experience. With Arsenal striving for their own top-four push, this will be an added bonus.
Since the start of the 2019/2020 Premier League season, Tielemans ranks eighth for the most tackles made in the division, having tackled on 212 occasions. This is impressive for a midfielder who is more scrutinised than praised for his work on the defensive front, and it also shows why Arsenal should still pursue a deal to further accommodate the Vieira signing.
However, a deal has failed to materialise in this window, and Mikel Arteta's side have 'cooled' their interest in Tielemans, according to Sky Sports. The report claims that it's become increasingly likely that the Belgium international now signs a one-year contract extension at the King Power Stadium, with his current deal set to expire in 12 months.
This has also been followed by The Guardian's report that Leicester are expecting Arsenal to move for Youri Tielemans and are aware of Arteta's long-standing interest. But, they are yet to make an offer.
However, this may not be Arsenal's true intention, as the same situation happened with Ramsdale in the previous summer transfer window. Tielemans would be an ideal acquisition for the Gunners, and with his cheap price tag, it would be a surprise for Edu not to complete a deal.
With Aouar potentially making the switch to the King Power stadium, it could give Arsenal the needed reassurance that negotiations with Leicester will not be difficult when trying to sign Tielemans, as they already have a replacement for the Belgian.
Despite the Gunners reportedly cooling their interest in the midfielder, it is a potential deal that Edu should look to get back on track as the Belgium international would prove to be a bargain for the north London side.
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