Arsenal might face a problem as they attempt to secure a deal for Leicester City star Youri Tielemans this summer despite the Gunners having renewed their interest in the Belgian. The north Londoners admiration of the former AS Monaco and Anderlecht prospect has been well-broadcast for some time now.
Current Arsenal midfielders Lucas Torreira, Matteo Guendouzi and Mohamed Elneny are all expected to leave on a permanent basis, whilst Granit Xhaka continues to be linked with a move to Serie A outfit AS Roma. That would leave a distinct vacancy in the heart of the Gunners’ midfielder - Tielemans represents an excellent candidate for the role having sparkled for the Foxes over recent seasons.
With the transfer window not too far away and the midfielder closing in on the final year of his Leicester contract, it is no surprise to learn that the Gunners have renewed their interest in a potential deal as per Belgian outlet Nieuwsblad. One obstacle that could present itself to the Gunners though is the Foxes’ own summer transfer business.
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Tielemans’ club and international teammate Dennis Praet has spent the season out on loan at Torino and has impressed enough for the Italian club to pursue a permanent deal. It has been suggested that the two clubs are already in discussions.
Should the former Sampdoria man leave then the Foxes’ midfield options would be limited further, potentially reducing the chance of them allowing Tielemans to leave too. Instead, it looks far more likely that they would wait and risk losing him on a free transfer.
Whilst the 24-year-old’s future is up in the air, he has been urged by his compatriot Philippe Albert to reconsider his options before leaping into a decision.
Writing for Belgian outlet Le Soir, he said: “Last year, Youri had a much better season than now. And then, strangely enough, no one moved too much to buy out his contract.
“This time, he has had a big downturn, as we saw again in Ireland and against Burkina Faso, but Arsenal and Manchester United are suddenly out of the woodwork.
“It’s a nice compliment, of course, but I wonder if, in the context of a summer market that will resemble the winter one, with only three months to go before the World Cup, a transfer to a prestigious club would be appropriate.
“In any case, it would be a maximum risk in a context where the Vanaken threat could become clearer in the national team. Wait and see, as the English say.”
