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Arsenal ready to wait for Leicester City ace Youri Tielemans

By Ritayan Chatterjee on August 15, 2022

Arsenal have been linked with a move for Leicester City midfielder Youri Tielemans throughout this summer. However, with less than three weeks remaining in the transfer window, the Gunners are yet to make a concrete approach to sign the Belgian midfielder.

Mikel Arteta has already revealed that he is expecting more additions to his squad over the next two weeks and it has widely been touted that midfield is one of the areas where the Spanish boss wants more reinforcements.

Leicester City midfielder Tielemans was thought to be the priority target for Arsenal to strengthen their midfield this summer, however, as per the Times (via the Football.london), the 25-year-old might end up staying at the King Power Stadium this season.

The report also states that the midfielder is looking unlikely to extend his deal with the Foxes – whose current contract will expire next June – and leaving the club for free next summer could be the most likely outcome for the Belgium international.

Tielemans to Arsenal

According to the report by Football.london, Arsenal are willing to wait for Tielemans and are planning to secure a deal for the Belgian next summer when he will be available for free.

The report further claims that the Gunners have already agreed on personal terms with the player, however, Leicester’s £32m asking price is the biggest stumbling block in a deal happening this month. Arteta’s side aren’t keen on spending that sum on a player who will be available for free in less than 12 months.

It will be a great outcome for Arsenal from a business point of view to sign Tielemans for free next summer. However, the Gunners need to strengthen their midfield this year in order to mount a top-four finish and achieve success in the Europa League this season.

Arteta doesn’t have many quality options at his disposal in the middle of the park if Thomas Partey or Granit Xhaka were absent, so they ideally need reinforcements now.

Tielemans would be an ideal acquisition for Arsenal and therefore, the Gunners need to act quickly and get this deal over the line this summer rather than waiting for a year.