Leicester City playmaker Youri Tielemans will be out of contract in the summer of 2023. The Belgian international is likely to move on from the former Premier League champions in search of Champions League football. Arsenal are keeping a close watch on the situation.
Metro reports that Tielemans has emerged as a potential target for the Gunners. The 24-year-old has been enjoying his best season with the Foxes thus far, notching up six goals and assisting twice. He has been given the freedom to attack, despite playing as a holding midfielder.
And, with the midlands club struggling to tie down the Belgian international to a new contract, they have accepted the fact that the player may want to leave Leicester.
As per the report, Brendan Rodgers has hinted that Leicester City are resigned to Youri Tielemans leaving them at the end of this season. This is because the Foxes will look to sell him next summer, otherwise they would risk losing him for free in 2023.
Speaking about the player’s current situation, Brendan Rodgers remarked:
“With his contract running down then I’m pretty sure there will be teams looking at him, but I’m also a realist as well.
Rodgers said he will not let a player stay against his wishes, saying “if a player does really well at Leicester, he may want to leave and move on to another club.”
“For us, it’s just about being ready for that,” he added
The former Liverpool manager also said that players who do well at Leicester are likely to seek pastures new. This is because of the ever-growing ambitions and Harry Maguire, and Riyad Mahrez are two good examples.
Metro also states that Real Madrid, Barcelona, and Manchester United are also keeping tabs on the midfielder. Moreover, the asking fee for Tielemans has been lowered to £35 million from £60 million. This is in order to avoid losing the player for free next season.
Will Arsenal benefit from signing Youri Tielemans?
Youri Tielemans is a gifted passer and a playmaker. What is more surprising is that the Belgian has racked up solid numbers this season, despite playing as a holding midfielder.
The Belgian international is also a good operator in tight spaces and does not forfeit possession easily. Arsenal like maintaining possession based on short passes and Youri is a perfect fit for their system.
The Gunners have already dealt with the departures of Matteo Guendouzi, Joe Willock, and Lucas Torriera. While the Gunners have signed Martin Odegaard on a permanent deal to provide creativity in the final third, Tielemans could be an added injection in that department as well as provide a telling boost in the central midfield ranks as well.
The gifted playmaker is also one of the best when it comes to shooting from distance. He could slot in right away for Granit Xhaka, who has been disappointing for Arsenal this season. His composure under pressure situations is also what makes him a standout player. With a high work rate and skillset, the highly-rated Leicester midfielder can be effective in putting an end to counterattacks as well.
It is understandable as to why Leicester want to keep their man but Arsenal’s interest in their midfield star is more than justified.
Arsenal will receive stiff competition from Manchester United and might also have to deal with interest from the Spanish giants Barcelona, and Real Madrid for the 24-year-old. But, the Gunners should go all-out for Youri Tielemans and more so, if they qualify for the Champions League next term.