Arsenal have potentially been handed considerable encouragement over a deal for Youri Tielemans with Leicester City having apparently opened contract talks with his successor. The Belgian midfielder has long been linked with a move to the Emirates Stadium, with uncertainty over his Foxes’ future continuing to grow.
The former Monaco and Anderlecht prospect is out of contract in 2023 and as of yet no agreement on an extended stay in the east Midlands has been forthcoming. The uncertainty could potentially see Leicester cash-in on the mercurial playmaker this summer or risk losing him for nothing in a year’s time.
Should Leicester elect to sell, then Arsenal as well as Manchester United have been noted as significant admirers and could make a move. Should that occur though, Foxes boss Brendan Rodgers appears to have already found his replacement.
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Since returning from a loan spell at Luton Town, academy graduate Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall has caught the eye. He has made 28 appearances in all competitions for Leicester so far this season, starting each of the club’s last 12 matches in the Premier League.
Whilst the central midfielder has yet to match the output of teammate Tielemans, having scored just two goals and provided a solitary assist, it appears that there are plans for him to be part of the Leicester line-up well into the future. Ahead of the side’s Europa Conference League clash with Rennes, Rodgers revealed that contract talks had opened with Dewsbury-Hall.
Speaking in his pre-match press conference, the northern Irishman said: "Talks have opened with his people. He’s still got a lot more development to take place and he loves playing here. Any other ones I’m not aware of at the moment."
Whilst any talks over Dewsbury-Hall will not directly affect Tielemans’ own future, it is interesting to note that succession planning is already underway should the latter leave. Arsenal then will certainly be keeping a close eye on developments at the King Power Stadium considering their interest in the Belgian.
Ever since arriving at the King Power Stadium initially on-loan, Tielemans has played a starring role in the side. In 142 appearances, he has scored 24 goals including the strike to win Leicester their first-ever FA Cup.
The 47-capped Belgian is currently valued at £49.5m by transfermarkt.
