Arsenal reportedly close in on Tielemans signing

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By Martin Graham | 7th Jul 2022

According to multiple reports, Arsenal are edging closer to complete a deal for Youri Tielemans.

The North London side have shown their intent so far in the transfer window, completing deals for goalkeeper Matt Turner, Brazilian winger Marquinhos, Portuguese midfielder Fabio Viera and much recently, the capture of Gabriel Jesus from Manchester City.

Tielemans has been linked with Arsenal for quite some time and could come in and replace Granit Xhaka in the Gunners’ lineup. Last summer, the Swiss midfielder was seemingly close to joining Roma but eventually stayed put at the Emirates. Arteta is reportedly on the lookout for a more attacking minded midfielder in his 4-3-3 formation and Tielemans could well suit that.

Arsenal step up chase for Tielemans

Since the start of the transfer window, Arsenal have been linked with Tielemans and those links caused room for much optimism and doubt at the same time. Given the player’s profile though, it was evident that the Gunners needed someone like the Belgian in their ranks.

However, the arrival of Fabio Vieira out of the blues appeared to have poured cold water on any links to Tielemans. It might have been a smokescreen after all, with the Gunners now ready to solidify their interest with an official bid to Leicester City.

Despite interest from Newcastle United and West Ham United, Arsenal are ready to ward off other suitors and see off a deal.

As per The Sun and a report from CBS Sports, the Gunners are set to submit a £30 million offer to Leicester City and it is believed the Foxes might be tempted to sell Tielemans at that price. To go with, reports also claim Arsenal have already agreed personal terms with the 26-year-old, which could make a move proceed rather quickly.

Some whispers also claim Manchester United are in the picture to sign Tielemans, seeing as their chase of priority target Frenkie de Jong from Barcelona has hit a snag. However, reports claim the Belgian is sold in on Arsenal and the idea of being one of the club’s most important players under Mikel Arteta.

Tielemans could be Arsenal’s next priority

Arsenal have also been credited with an interest in Sergej Milinkovic-Savic, although Lazio’s overwhelming asking price could see them look away from such a deal.

From the look of things, Tielemans is seemingly Arsenal’s top midfield target and the Gunners will make an official move in the coming days. The player has only one year left on his contract, meaning Leicester could be under pressure to accept an offer. This works well in favour of Arsenal’s pursuit.

Losing Tielemans for free will be a major financial blow for the Foxes, especially considering that he was the club’s record singing back in 2019 when he joined from Monaco in a £35m deal. On paper, the Belgian midfielder seems a good match for Arsenal and it would be interesting to see if the Gunners can get this deal over the line, amid growing interest from other sides.