Those at the top of the Barcelona hierarchy are reportedly resigned to missing out on Leicester midfielder Youri Tielemans due to the fact he is expected to join another club - Arsenal.
The Belgium international has just six months left to run on his Foxes contract and it is widely expected that he will bid farewell to the King Power Stadium come the end of the season. Spanish outlet Marca claim that Emirates Stadium could be his next destination after months of speculation linking the midfielder with a move to the Gunners.
Tielemans has established himself as one of the finest midfielders in the Premier League since joining Leicester from Belgian giants Anderlecht. As a result, there is plenty of interest from many of the continent's biggest sides, especially when factoring in he won't cost a penny in transfer fees.
Barcelona are on the prowl for a Sergio Busquets replacement as the Spanish legend is likely to call time on his Camp Nou stay in the summer. Tielemans is one of the players that had initially been shortlisted by the La Liga titans, but hope is fading over the move due to Arsenal's interest.
Despite the fact that Barcelona manager Xavi is thought to be a keen admirer of Tielemans, Leicester aren't expected to pay much attention to the Spanish side's lingering interest. This is because of the belief that Mikel Arteta's side already have some kind of agreement in place with the 25-year-old.
Arsenal have long been admirers of Tielemans' talent, with initial reports claiming there was interest in him from the red half of north London coming as far back as Arsene Wenger's reign.
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The Gunners are rumoured to have come closest to landing his signature last summer, but Arsenal eventually opted to pursue players in different positions.
Tielemans may wish to get his club future resolved sooner than later, especially when factoring in how much speculation there was surrounding his next move during the last transfer window.
However, the midfielder could also seek some downtime before the resumption of the Premier League after a disastrous World Cup campaign saw Belgium eliminated at the group stage.
Hopes were high for the Red Devils, with many expecting a strong performance considering this is likely to be the last major tournament where the nation's 'golden generation' were all in the same squad together.
From Tielemans' perspective, there will be more opportunities with the national team given his age, but his next decision at club level could prove vital and he'll be desperate to join a side that can get the best out of him.
Tielemans has made little secret of his desire to play Champions League football and with Arsenal sitting five points clear at the top of the Premier League, the Gunners could be playing in European football's most elite club competition with the Belgian in their midfield next term.
