Arsenal have been handed a huge boost in their efforts to sign Leicester City midfielder Youri Tielemans in the upcoming January transfer window. The Gunners could be one of the more active sides in the winter market as they continue their push at the top of the table.
Squad depth remains an issue if they want to challenge for the title deep into the season, with injuries in the first part of the campaign already proving problematic. While this hasn't directly correlated to league form yet, an exit to Brighton in the Carabao Cup may have raised issues, while the fringe players may be less likely to take part in the latter rounds of the Europa League, requiring more from those who start across all competitions.
With January fast approaching, manager Mikel Arteta had his say on the plans ahead. "The planning of that period is extremely difficult," he said.
READ MORE: Arsenal's January transfer priority as Mikel Arteta targets £87m forward for Premier League push
"First of all because we know the January window, how special it is, the opportunities that you have, the short window that you have. Once you get the player they are straight away competing, so there is not an adaption process.
"And obviously with the position that we are in right now as well, it demands as well another level of player - and that player has to be available. We will look at everything and let’s see what we can do."
An area that may be looked at is in the midfield, with Arteta failing to make a late move for Aston Villa star Douglas Luiz on deadline day back in the summer. The Brazilian has since signed a new contract, meaning focus may turn elsewhere when it comes to finding depth.
One of those targets could be Leicester City midfielder Tielemans, who is continually linked with a switch to the Emirates Stadium as he nears the final months of his contract. While this could see the Belgian leave for free then or below market value in January, the Daily Mail claims that the Foxes are confident they can tie him down to a new deal.
While that could prove to be a huge blow to the Gunners, Fabrizio Romano claims that the plans for the midfielder are somewhat different. Speaking to CaughtOffside, he said: "The priority for Tielemans is to find a new club on free transfer, there are still no changes on this.
“I think Arsenal had a big chance to sign him last summer, but they decided to proceed with different strategy and results have been great until now… so, we can’t judge anything negative for Arsenal honestly.”
It remains to be seen if the north London side will make their move to land Tielemans in January, but it could be the extra edge they need in the title race to get them over the line.
READ NEXT:
From rejecting Chelsea to starring for England at World Cup - The rise of Arsenal's Bukayo Saka
Arsenal's four best and worst World Cup scenarios as Jesus breaks drought and Tielemans transfer
Arsenal face tough £43.5m transfer competition amid Man Utd's stern Cristiano Ronaldo stance
Edu handed key Arsenal transfer boost as Xavi lists Barcelona star for sale ahead of January
Arsenal news and transfers LIVE: Latest news, rumours and gossip from the Emirates Stadium
