Youri Tielemans' future has taken another major twist as reports are now insisting that Leicester City are pushing for the midfielder to sign a new contract to avoid losing him for nothing in the summer.
Tielemans, 25, was linked with a move to the Gunners in the summer but no official move was made. football.london have previously reported that the club were prepared to wait until his deal at the King Power Stadium expires to secure his services.
The Belgian will enter the final six months of his deal in January after rejecting a number of fresh offers by Brendan Rodgers' side. Should no future deal be agreed, Tielemans will be open to agree a pre-contract with an overseas club after the World Cup.
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It's widely reported that a new midfielder is one of the highest priorities at London Colney for the January transfer window. The Gunners may be forced to dip their toe into the winter market on the back of their own success, with Mikel Arteta's side top of the Premier League with 37 points and set for an intense battle with Manchester City for the title.
However, after refusing to offer Leicester's £25million asking price in the summer, Arsenal are unlikely to pay more, with reports insisting the Foxes are quietly confident they won't lose their midfield maestro for nothing at the end of the season.
According to the Daily Mail, chiefs at the east Midlands club have 'maintained a close contact' with Tielemans' representatives throughout the situation and 'believe' that they can reach an agreement with the player.
It was understood in the past that the midfielder was not keen on penning a new deal at Leicester amid his preference of playing Champions League football.
However, a new contract would provide both parties insurance ahead of the summer window: Leicester will pocket some sort of transfer fee should an offer be made and Tielemans will earn himself another big move after costing Rodgers' side £40million from Monaco in 2019.
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