Arsenal have been admirers of Youri Tielemans but their interest in the Leicester City star has been ‘turned off’ as the summer transfer deadline approached, according to journalist Dean Jones.
What’s the latest news involving Tielemans and Arsenal?
There is uncertainty over where Tielemans’ long-term future lies as his £120,000-per-week Leicester contract is due to expire next summer.
Although it is understood that Arsenal are long-term admirers of the central midfielder and had been holding internal discussions over his availability since January, they opted against heading to the negotiating table ahead of the September 1 deadline.
But, according to Italian media outlet Calciomercato, the Gunners could lodge an official bid when the transfer window reopens at the turn of the year.
The report suggests Arteta does not want to be involved in a battle for the 54-cap Belgium international’s signature when he becomes a free agent, while Serie A side Juventus also hold an interest.
Arsenal’s arch-rivals Tottenham Hotspur could reportedly test the waters by heading to Leicester with a proposal for Tielemans in January as well.
The report suggests Arteta does not want to be involved in a battle for the 54-cap Belgium international’s signature when he becomes a free agent, while Serie A side Juventus also hold an interest.
Arsenal’s arch-rivals Tottenham Hotspur could reportedly test the waters by heading to Leicester with a proposal for Tielemans in January as well.
Dean Jones understands that Arsenal have been keeping tabs on Tielemans’ situation at the King Power Stadium for a prolonged period of time.
The transfer insider has been made aware that the capital club chose against testing Leicester’s resolve as they became less keen on adding him to Arteta’s squad as the summer deadline drew closer.
Dean Jones told GIVEMESPORT: “For all the interest that Arsenal had, that interest actually died off the longer the summer window wore on, when I spoke to someone at Arsenal.”
It appears that Arsenal’s decision not to hold negotiations over Tielemans was the right call as they currently sit top of the Premier League table.
Statistics show that Gunners midfielder Granit Xhaka has also started the season in better form than the Belgian, averaging more goals and assists per 90 minutes.
However, Tielemans has been hailed as ‘one of Europe’s top midfielders’ by Leicester boss Brendan Rodgers, which suggests he would be an astute signing by Arsenal.
With that being the case, it may be worth Arteta looking to strike a cut-price deal for the Foxes’ talisman, who has made more than 130 Premier League appearances, when he enters the final six months of his contract in January.
