Arsenal are set to make a fresh bid for long-term target Youri Tielemans days before the close of the transfer window.
THE LOWDOWN: LONG-TERM INTEREST
Arsenal have been linked with Tielemans for many months before now. The Belgian, who is in his final year at the King Power Stadium, is keen to join the Gunners but no formal approach has been made by the Gunners, mainly due to Leicester’s huge asking fee.
Tielemans and Leicester City have started the season poorly as they have lost two of their three opening league games and this could make the Belgian consider an exit now more than ever before.
Earlier in the window, Arteta and Arsenal made a decision to wait for the midfielder’s contract to expire next summer before snapping him up for free. However, it appears that there is a change in the Gunners’ camp ahead of the close of the window.
THE LATEST: TRANSFER UPDATE
According to Belgian journalist Sacho Tavolieri, Arsenal are prepared to make a fresh bid for Leicester City midfielder Youri Tielemans.
Arsenal have been quite active in the transfer window this summer. Arteta and Edu have made some excellent signings this summer and his arrival will be the icing on the cake.
Tielemans would be a superb addition to the Arsenal squad with his versatile qualities. The Belgian can operate in various midfield positions and could be regarded as a potential competitor to Granit Xhaka, who has thrived in a new role this season.
However, if it is going to cost the Gunners a lot to land Tielemans, then it will be considered an unwise decision because he has less than a year left in his contract.
Leicester City slapped a £30 million price tag on the midfielder and it is unclear whether the Gunners have made an opening offer for Tielemans before now. However, with just nine more days left before the deadline, it is likely that the Foxes will be compelled to accept a lesser fee, considering the Belgian’s contract expires next summer.
Meanwhile, when asked about getting new players after the win at Bournemouth, Mikel Arteta stressed that the club is working on getting players that will have big impact in the team.
THE VERDICT: GOOD ADDITION