Arsenal
Premier League • England
Arsenal transfer news: Background checks done as Mikel Arteta readies cheeky Youri Tielemans offer
Arsenal are ready to push ahead with a concrete offer for Youri Tielemans as speculation ramps up over the Leicester star’s future.
The Leicester star is regarded as one of the best all-round midfielders outside the top six sides in the Premier League. And with just a year on his deal, Tielemans, understandably, finds himself a player in high demand.
Since signing for the Foxes, Tielemans has helped Leicester twice finish in the top five in the Premier League. He also scored the winning goal as Leicester won the FA Cup, beating Chelsea in the 2021 final.
That form has seen Tielemans linked with a whole host of clubs. Liverpool and Manchester United have both been touted as suitors in recent months.
However, it is Arsenal who have emerged from the shadows to become favourites for his signature. To that end, trusted journalist David Ornstein revealed last month that the Gunners stepping up their pursuit.
At the time, it was claimed that Tielemans was open to the move, assuming the Gunners could secure Champions League football.
After finishing fifth, though, Arsenal are only able to offer the Belgian another shot at the Europa League.
As per the Daily Telegraph, however, that is not unlikely to dissuade Tielemans from making the move.
They report that he has told his representatives that he is willing to sign for the Gunners despite that.
Gunners complete checks on Tielemans
The Gunners’ head of UK scouting, James Ellis, was also present at the King Power Stadium on Sunday. He was there specifically to check on Tielemans’ display as Leicester ran out 4-1 win against Southampton.
In addition, the paper writes that Arteta has completed a number of background checks on Tielemans. They write that Arteta – a strict disciplinarian – notes that he sees Tielemans’ attitude as ‘exemplorary’, despite his ongoing contract dispute at Leicester.
As such, he is seen as a perfect addition to the Arsenal side, if they can get a deal done.
The Telegraph concludes that Arteta is now imploring Arsenal to lodge an opening £25m bid for the player.
That is considerably lower than what Leicester rate the 25-year-old at.
However, with just over 12 months left on his deal, Leicester may find themselves backed into a corner.
The 49-times capped Belgian star looks a perfect addition to the Gunners midfield. And if they can get a deal done for just £25m, Arsenal will be picking up an excellent player for a bargain price.
Loss of player a massive blow to Leicester
The loss of Tielemans for Leicester will be a hammer blow for Brendan Rodgers. His side finished eighth this season, just outside the European places.
Speaking about the player last week, Rodgers said: “The problem, because of the gossip and speculation around it, it shines a light on him.
“For me, he’s still the same guy, his professionalism is first-class. That’s why I always play him.
“He makes passes in the team that not many can make. He fights for the team and that’s the type of person he is.
“He’s maybe not played to the top of his level sometimes but his commitment, his training every day, and his preparation shows he’s a top-class professional.”