Arsenal are looking at strengthening their midfield, but their top-four bottle job could set them back
(Image credit: PA)
Arsenal have opened talks with Leicester midfielder Youri Tielemans over a potential move, say reports, but the Gunners’ failure to reach the Champions League could cost them.
The Belgium international is about to enter the final year of his deal at the King Power and could be ready to move on.
Fabrizio Romano reports that Arsenal are one of three clubs involved in the race to sign Tielemans, and talks have begun over a potential move.
(Image credit: PA)
However, Romano previously reported earlier in May that Champions League football will be crucial in convincing the 25-year-old, something that Mikel Arteta’s side can’t offer.
The Gunners choked at the end of the season in their bid for a top-four finish, losing to north London rivals and direct fourth-place challengers Tottenham, before suffering defeat in Newcastle.
Arteta’s side ultimately finished fifth, two points outside the Champions League places, and will therefore only be able to offer Tielemans Europa League football next season.
(Image credit: Getty)
The Belgian already played in that competition for Leicester this season; the Foxes were knocked out and dropped into the Conference League, where they reached the semi-finals.
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Another season in Europe’s second-tier competition might not be a particularly tempting prospect, but Arsenal’s long-term project with a youthful squad might be.
Romano hasn't named the other two clubs in the running for Tielemans, who has been at Leicester since joining from Monaco, initially on loan, in January 2019.
Alasdair Mackenzie is a freelance journalist based in Rome, and a FourFourTwo contributor since 2015. When not pulling on the FFT shirt, he can be found at Reuters, The Times and the i. An Italophile since growing up on a diet of Football Italia on Channel 4, he now counts himself among thousands of fans sharing a passion for Ross County and Lazio.
