The saga of Youri Tielemans’ potential transfer to Arsenal has dragged on since the end of the last season all the way to the beginning of the new campaign. However, recent developments could finally settle the Belgian’s future.
Manchester United were reported to be the biggest competitor for Arsenal when it came to fighting for Tielemans’ signature. However, David Ornstein from The Athletic reported that the Red Devils are working on a deal to Adrien Rabiot from Juventus, which seemed to cool interest in Tielemans from the Manchester side.
Despite a deal for Rabiot breaking down, Manchester United could be key in helping Arsenal to secure the Belgian's signature. Leicester have reportedly targeted a midfielder from Erik ten Hag’s side.
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According to the Mirror, Leicester are bracing themselves for a late move from Arsenal and Rodgers wants to have targets lined up in case they lose Tielemans. One Target the Foxes are planning to sign is James Garner from Manchester United who are reportedly willing to sell the midfielder for £15m.
Arsenal will need to sign a midfielder due to a lack of depth and quality in the middle of the park. CBS Sports reported earlier in the season that Tielemans would be available for £30m, which makes him an absolute bargain to solve the north London side's midfield issues.
The Gunners are not the only club interested in the Belgian as CBS Sports have also reported that Manchester United are interested in securing his services. However, Erik ten Hag’s recent decision to instead sign Casemiro could have removed one Tielemans competitor for Arsenal.
Since the start of the 2019/2020 Premier League season, Tielemans ranks eighth for the most tackles made in the division, having tackled on 212 occasions. This is impressive for a midfielder who is more scrutinised than praised for his work on the defensive front, and it also shows why Arsenal should still pursue a deal to further accommodate the Vieira signing.
However, a deal has failed to materialise in this window Mikel 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.
But, this may not be Arsenal’s true intention as the same situation happened with Aaron Ramsdale in the previous summer transfer window. Tielemans would be an ideal acquisition for the Gunners, and with his cheap price tag it would be a surprise for Edu not to complete a deal.
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 Manchester United could be key in helping Arsenal seal a deal.
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