Arsenal must make a decision on whether or not they are to sign Youri Tielemans in the summer transfer window. The Gunners have stalled on a potential deal but doing this could see Manchester United hijack a transfer.
This could happen after it emerged that there is a high possibility Frenkie de Jong stays at Barcelona despite the strong pursuit from Manchester United. According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, De Jong’s priority has always been to stay at Barcelona.
De Jong’s intentions could have a major impact for Arsenal because Manchester United are also reportedly interested in Tielemans. With the likelihood of the Red Devils missing out on De Jong, they could switch their intentions to the Belgian.
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Former Manchester United striker Louis Saha has backed the Belgium international to choose a move to Old Trafford over the Emirates Stadium. When asked who Tielemans should pick between United and Arsenal, Saha told BonusCodeBets: “I’d have to say Man United all day.
“Tielemans has always been linked with Man United, even when he was at Anderlecht. He’s always had that connection.”
The Gunners were in pole position to sign Tielemans as according to Ben Jacobs of CBS Sports, Arsenal had agreed to personal terms with the midfielder. But a transfer has seemed to stall since this agreement.
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.
With Manchester United likely to turn their attentions to attempt to hijack Tielemans away from Arsenal, it is important that Edu wraps up a deal as soon as possible. The midfielder has shown why he would enhance the Gunners’ options and with him reportedly being available for £25m, he would prove to be a bargain.
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.
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, and it would also prevent Manchester United from strengthening their ranks.
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