Arsenal’s pursuit of Youri Tielemans has been given a major boost after Aurelien Tchouameni's transfer decision. The Frenchman has reportedly decided to join Real Madrid, despite the club also reportedly being interested in Tielemans.
According to French news outlet L’Equipe, Real Madrid are very close to sealing the deal for the Frenchman. Despite a deal not yet being done, the news report goes on to claim that it could be completed by next week.
This comes after the Daily Mail had reported that Tielemans had set his heart on a move to Spain with Real Madrid being previously linked to the midfielder. This is despite interest from Liverpool, Arsenal, Manchester United, and Tottenham. However, with Los Blancos seeming to choose Tchouameni as their next midfielder, it erases one competitor for Arsenal in securing Tielemans’ signature.
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At just 24-years-old, the Belgian international already has more than 100 Premier League games under his belt, and he has also contributed 34 goals. These are very impressive numbers for a central midfielder.
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 next season, this will be an added bonus.
Tielemans has played the most minutes compared to any other player at the age of 24 or younger so far in their career, and it is by a large distance. Manchester City forward Gabriel Jesus, who is another player that has been linked to a move to Arsenal, falls in second place, having played 10,000 minutes less than the midfielder.
CBS Sports have reported that the Gunners are currently the front runners to sign Tielemans. Arsenal reportedly already know that the Belgian will not sign a new deal and could be available for as little as £25m.
The acquisition of Tielemans would be a great coup for the Gunners, and the fact that he follows Edu's recruitment strategy perfectly should give Arsenal the perfect incentive to push hard for a deal. And the fact that he is available for just £25m means he would prove to be a bargain.
Not competing in the Champions League next year could have been a major blow for Arsenal not securing Tielemans’ services. However, with Real Madrid opting to sign Tchouameni it takes away competition which Arsenal would have struggled to battle with to sign the Belgian. There is certainly now more of a possibility that a deal can get over the line for the Gunners.
