Arsenal have been linked with both Youri Tielemans and Sergej Milinkovic-Savic this summer with Mikel Arteta keen to add a new midfielder to his squad.
The Gunners will feature in four competitions next season after qualifying for the Europa League last term, just missing out on Champions League football on the final day. The north Londoners are in the market for a new midfielder to add quality and depth to a key area of Arteta's squad ahead of a packed 2022/23 campaign.
football.london reported previously that the Gunners are interested in signing Tielemans with the Belgium international entering the final year of his contract at Leicester. According to CBS, via GiveMeSport, Arsenal have already agreed personal terms with the 25-year-old, but reports from Italy suggest the Gunners are pursuing a potential deal for Milinkovic-Savic now.
READ MORE: Arsenal identify ideal Youri Tielemans transfer alternative as 'personal terms' agreed
Arsenal confirmed the capture of Gabriel Jesus from Manchester City for a fee of £45million, making the Brazilian the Gunners' fourth summer signing after Fabio Vieira, Marquinhos and Matt Turner. The north Londoners are now turning their attentions elsewhere as they look to strengthen other areas of the squad ahead of next season.
The club are still pushing for Ajax defender Lisandro Martinez and face stiff competition from Manchester United for the Argentine's signature, with Erik ten Hag keen to reunite with the 24-year-old at Old Trafford. Arteta sees Martinez playing at left back as opposed to centre-back due to his ability on the ball and physical stature.
Whilst the Argentina international can provide cover in midfield, the Gunners want to find a first team quality midfielder to partner Thomas Partey at the core of Arteta's tactical system. Tielemans represents a younger, cheaper and Premier League proven option compared to Milinkovic-Savic, who would cost in the region of £50million according to reports.
Speaking on the Que Golazo Podcast, transfer guru Fabrizio Romano discussed Arsenal’s hunt for a new midfielder and Sergej Milinkovic-Savic. Romano said: “I see some of these names mentioned, Milinkovic-Savic is always mentioned in the Italian press, but Lazio want €75-80million for Milinkovic-Savic, so it is a really complicated one.
"I am sure that Tielemans is a good opportunity because he is out of contract next summer. He is not extending his Leicester contract, so this is why Arsenal are exploring that possibility more than Milinkovic-Savic today."
Tielemans represents a lower-risk opportunity to add quality and depth to Arsenal's midfield after the Belgian scored seven goals and registered five assists in 50 games last term. Milinkovic-Savic tallied double figures for both goals and assists last season (11 goals and 12 assists), but is more of a risk due to the fee and lack of Premier League experience.
Who would you rather sign for Arsenal this summer; Youri Tielemans or Sergej Milinkovic-Savic? Let us know in the comments!
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