Tielemans drops key demand to give Arsenal huge transfer lift, as fortunes on Jesus, Gnabry deals differ

Youri Tielemans has softened his demands in a big transfer boost to Arsenal, though the latest updates on Gabriel Jesus and Serge Gnabry were not as promising.

The Gunners are seeking to put their late-season disappointment to bed by embarking on a blockbuster summer transfer window. Arsenal have irons in the fire in multiple departments of their squad. The positions of central midfield, winger and striker are all expected to be addressed.

Regarding the engine room, Arsenal have been heavily linked with a swoop for Leicester talisman, Youri Tielemans.

The Belgium international will see his contract expire in 2023. That is something that is expected to spark an exit this summer to ensure the Foxes don’t miss out on a transfer fee.

Tielemans had previously been reported as favouring a move to a team that could offer Champions League football. After being pipped to fourth spot by Tottenham, Arsenal cannot satisfy that demand.

But according to the Athletic, Tielemans has now relaxed that particular demand.

They state the 25-year-old no longer considers Champions League football a necessity for his next employer.

Arsenal believe they are in a strong position to pull off the coup and there is a growing belief around Leicester that Tielemans’ exit is inevitable.

Given he only has 12 months remaining on his contract, 90min reported a deal could be made for between £25m-£30m.

Gnabry, Jesus updates contrast Tielemans’

However, the updates on Arsenal’s pursuits of Gabriel Jesus and Serge Gnabry were not as bright.

Man City’s Jesus, also 25, was reaffirmed as Arsenal’s top striker target by the Athletic. However, the lack of UCL football is expected to pose an issue for the Brazilian.

Chelsea are also keeping a close watch on any and all developments surrounding the City hitman.

The Blues can offer Champions League football and may be just as desperate to sign a striker if Romelu Lukaku returns to Inter Milan.

What’s more, the Telegraph indicated Chelsea are open to offers for Timo Werner and Hakim Ziyech too. If Chelsea muscle in on Arsenal’s move for Jesus, the Athletic conclude Mikel Arteta may be left empty-handed.

In that situation, alternative targets would be explored. Viable options include Lautaro Martinez and Tammy Abraham, but the easiest deal to make is that of Sassuolo’s Gianluca Scamacca.

Finally, the update on Bayern winger Gnabry was the least encouraging.

Youri Tielemans will leave Leicester this summer likely for Arsenal

Leicester City midfielder Youri Tielemans will leave this summer as Arsenal ramp up their interest in Belgium star

Gnabry’s contract impasse has sparked talk of a return to England this summer. Arsenal and Liverpool have been linked, though the Athletic label the Gunners’ chances as ‘remote’. That’s even if Bayern are successful in luring Sadio Mane to Bavaria.

The reasoning stems from the the vast interest Gnabry would court, primarily from teams are can offer UCL football.

To compensate, Arsenal would need to smash their wage structure, something they’ll not do willingly after their recent misfires with Mesut Ozil and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.

In conclusion, Gnabry was deemed ‘not an active target’ for Mikel Arteta.

Jesus the key to Arsenal’s window

A Gabriel Jesus coup would represent excellent business in our eyes. The Brazilian is Premier League-proven and has a point to prove after never nailing down a starting role at the Etihad.

At 25, he is entering his prime years and boasts a work-rate that would mesh well with Arteta’s demands from his forward players.

Whether Arsenal can convince him to overlook his European ambitions is another matter entirely.

But one thing is for sure, Jesus represents the No 1 target to lead Arsenal’s attack next season and Edu and co must do all they can to make the deal happen.