Edu left flabbergasted by target’s wage demands as Arsenal cool interest and Newcastle links gather pace

Youri Tielemans has seemingly seen his prospects of signing for Arsenal ended for good, with the Leicester star now reportedly left with two transfer choices.

The future of the Belgian midfielder has the subject of some debate for a number of months. His deal at Leicester City is due to expire in summer 2023 and, having made clear his desire not to sign fresh terms, was expected to move on. However, despite talks with a number of interested suitors, including Arsenal, Tielemans found himself stuck at the King Power.

The problem for Tielemans was that Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta decided over the summer to instead make a play to sign Douglas Luiz. And while the approach for the Aston Villa man was unsuccessful, Tielemans was left kicking his heels.

However, with the January window open for business, Tielemans has a fresh chance to earn himself a move elsewhere.

And it seems the Gunners were putting themselves back into the transfer picture as Mikel Arteta looks for squad reinforcements.

To that end, pundit Gary Neville claims Arsenal need two signings this month if they are to realise their title dream.

Any hopes Tielemans had of making a move to Arsenal, though, are seemingly up in smoke. That’s after the star seemingly priced himself out of a move to Emirates Stadium.

Per the Daily Telegraph, the Belgian’s wage demands were simply beyond what Arsenal were willing to pay.

As a result, Tielemans looks unlikely to move to Arsenal with his hopes of moving there now deemed over for good.

Arteta remains determined to strengthen his midfield but will seemingly look elsewhere in his efforts to strengthen.

Two options emerge for Youri Tielemans

However, Tielemans remains hopeful of securing a move away from Leicester this month. And reports are gathering pace that a move to St James’ Park and Newcastle is on the cards.

Now according to pundit Tam McManus, Tielemans is making the switch to Eddie Howe’s side his No 1 choice this month.

“I think that’s a move he wants,” he told Football Insider.

“I don’t see him signing a new contract at Leicester, that is clear now. Tielemans is only 25 years old, he is in or approaching the best years of his career.

“He has been at Leicester for a few years and done well, he’s become a Belgian international. He would be a great signing for Newcastle but I think there will be a lot of clubs looking at him.

“Tielemans would be a sensational signing for any of the top four clubs and Newcastle, right now, are up there.

“It’s going to boil down to finances, he will be looking for a big payday as a soon-to-be free agent. So if Newcastle can stick up the money then I think he would be a tremendous signing.

“It gives Newcastle another quality option when going forward.”

Rodgers not giving up on midfielder

Having seen his switch to Arsenal break down, Leicester manager Brendan Rodgers is refusing to give up on his prospects of enticing him to stay.

And he insists that he will continue working with Tielemans until he is told otherwise.

“It has gone on for a while, but it’s all based around the player, ultimately,” he said. “His commitment is no less now to what it was when I first came in – if not even more. He’s loved his time here and is still loving his time here.

“I respect that he’s in his last year, of course I want to tie him down. He’s been a brilliant player for this club and is still at a great age. It’s something that has to be right for all parties.

“Until I’m told he’s not here, we work very well together. He’s a coach’s dream, with his professionalism and view of the game. Nothing changes for me in that aspect, we just continue to hopefully find a resolution to it and have him sign here.”

Asked if the Foxes can still keep him, Rodgers concluded: “I think it’s one where we want to do everything we can to convince him to stay.”

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