Arsenal has reportedly agreed on personal terms with Leicester City star Youri Tielemans ahead of a potential move to the Emirates.
The Gunners have been linked with a move for Tielemans this summer after it was revealed the 25-year-old was on the club’s shortlist this summer. The Belgian midfielder recently turned down the offer of a new contract at the King Power Stadium and only has a year left on his current deal with the Foxes.
Recent reports suggested that the north Londoners had ‘cooled’ their interest in Tielemans as they focused on negotiating deals elsewhere. Arsenal agreed a £45million deal for Manchester City striker Gabriel Jesus earlier this week, but reports suggest that the Gunners have re-focused their efforts to strike a deal for Tielemans.
Jesus is set to become Arsenal’s fourth signing of the summer, after Fabio Vieira, Matt Turner and Marquinhos. The Gunners’ capture of Vieira from Porto this summer led to many believing they would not pursue a deal for Tielemans as well, however it seems the Gunners have now agreed on personal terms with the Leicester star and could sign both this summer, according to CBS.
The Belgium international is still a top target for the north Londoners as Mikel Arteta looks to add quality and depth to his midfield ahead of next season. Tielemans scored seven goals and registered five assists for Leicester last season from central midfield.
The Gunners could look to partner the 25-year-old with Thomas Partey in midfield or potentially move to a 4-3-3 system which could see Martin Odegaard drop alongside the pair, similar to how Arteta used the Norwegian playmaker at times last term. Arsenal will be able to secure a cut-price deal for Tielemans this summer due to the Belgian’s contract situation and Leicester’s desire not to lose one of their prized assets on a free transfer next summer.
Football London
