Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta's concerns about Youri Tielemans are blocking the Gunners from pursuing a deal for the Leicester midfielder.
football.london understands Arsenal have held talks with Tielemans' representatives over the last few months, but a formal offer is yet to be submitted to the Foxes. The Belgium international only has a year left on his current deal at the King Power Stadium and would be available for a cut-price fee this summer.
Arsenal are in the market for a new midfielder with Arteta keen to add competition in that area of his squad. However, after being linked with a move to the Emirates Stadium all summer, the manager is said to have reservations over a move for the Leicester star.
READ MORE: Leicester consider move for £8m Arsenal star as Youri Tielemans transfer saga continues
According to talkSPORT, Arsenal are hesitant to make a move for the Belgian midfielder due to his physical stature. Arteta is said to be concerned that Tielemans will not provide the right sort of option in the Gunners' midfield.
The North London outfit have already signed Fabio Vieira this summer with the Portuguese playmaker able to play in the No.8 position, No.10 and out wide, though that deal isn't thought to have any impact on the club's pursuit of the Leicester midfielder. The Gunners have been linked with a move for Lazio's Sergej Milinkovic-Savic, who offers a much more significant physical presence in the middle of the pitch due to his size and power.
Tielemans scored seven goals and provided five assists in 50 appearances last term for the Foxes and is attracting interest from Arsenal and Manchester United ahead of next season. Arsenal's squad is full of technically gifted players such as Vieira, Martin Odegaard and Emile Smith Rowe, but one area they are lacking is having a midfield powerhouse in a box-to-box role alongside Thomas Partey.
With Arteta blocking the club's pursuit of Tielemans, it may mean a move is unlikely this summer if the Spaniard wants to add a more physical midfielder to his squad. football.london understands technical director Edu is looking to secure a number of departures for the Gunners' fringe players as his next priority after signing five new players this summer.
READ NEXT:
Arsenal make Youri Tielemans transfer decision as Edu 'reaches agreement' for Juventus star
Edu accelerates Arsenal sales to 'complete' Mikel Arteta's sixth summer deal before new season
Cody Gakpo to Arsenal transfer: Liverpool admission, Premier League ambition, price tag
Aaron Ramsdale can request the perfect gift as Arsenal move one step closer to £8m transfer
Key Liverpool man reveals he rejected Arsenal move following Mikel Arteta discussion
