Leicester City midfielder Youri Tielemans has hinted that he could potentially be a better signing for Arsenal than former transfer target James Maddison.
Both playmakers have been linked with a switch to the Emirates Stadium over the past couple of years, with current Gunners’ boss Mikel Arteta keen to add more creativity to his side.
Maddison emerged as a target for Arsenal in the summer, with the club keen to recruit a natural number 10. Meanwhile, Tielemans is a name that has been mentioned in north London ahead of next season with it looking likely that the Foxes will be forced to sell sooner rather than later amid his contractual situation - his current deal set to expire in 2023.
The Belgian though appears to have confirmed that he would potentially be a better addition to the current ranks at the Emirates Stadium - albeit the two being very close on the pitch.
Speaking to the Premier League’s Uncut YouTube show, the Belgian said: “It’s really tricky.
“I think we both have our qualities, I can’t decide on that [who is better].
“I’m very confident with myself so I will say myself because I’m a really confident player but James Maddison his passing ability is really good as well.
“I would say that we have a very similar level in the passing that we have.”
The pair are of course enjoying impressive seasons despite Leicester themselves enduring a frustrating campaign under Brendan Rodgers.
Maddison is currently in eye-catching form having scored 11 and notched seven assists in all competitions - a record that includes two stunning strikes in Leicester’s 3-1 Europa Conference League win against Randers.
Elsewhere, Tielemans currently has seven goals and three assists to his name in all competitions.
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It of course would be interesting to see if the Gunners make an effort to secure the former Anderlecht’s man signature in the summer amid their need for more midfield recruits.
A move for Maddison looks unlikely though having plumped for the permanent signing of Real Madrid man Martin Odegaard in the summer.
The Norwegian has been Arteta’s first pick for the number 10 role this season with 18 starts thus far in the Premier League, whilst Emile Smith Rowe has also found some excellent goalscoring form over recent weeks.
