According to reports, Arsenal have held talks with the representatives of Leicester City’s Youri Tielemans over a possible transfer this January.
The Gunners have reportedly invited the Belgian’s reps over to London Colney on a few occasions over the past few weeks to discuss his move from Leicester to London as they seek midfield reinforcements ahead of a busy period.
The 24-year-old will be out of a contract with the Foxes in the summer of 2023 and talks between both parties have failed to progress. Tielemans is reportedly looking for Champions League football and doesn’t feel confident of getting it at Leicester.
Arsenal, meanwhile, look on course to be playing in the competition next season, which could play in their favour as they seek to convince the former Monaco man to put on the Arsenal colours.
GOAL also reports that Tielemans is a long-term target for Arsenal, who, after the meeting with his reps, are now starting to put plans into place to sign the 24-year-old.
Arsenal is understood to be in the race for Tielemans alongside Liverpool, who have also been following the player for some time.
Tielemans has not rejected a new Leicester City contract, claims Rodgers
The Foxes have lost Wilfred Ndidi to the African Cup of Nations in Cameroon, and will not want to lose another midfielder at such a crucial stage in the season.
However, talks of Tielemans rejecting a new contract at the King Power stadium have been quashed by Leicester City boss Brendan Rodgers in the past.
“There’s reports, but there’s (been) no turning down,” Rodgers said back in October.
“I think there’s just dialogue between the club and Youri’s people. I think the club are waiting to hear back. But that’s something that’s out of my control.
“What I can control is his mentality, his commitment to the team, and you cannot question that.”
Arsenal have also lost Mohamed Elneny and Thomas Partey to the AFCON tournament. Granit Xhaka is out with COVID-19, and Ainsley Maitland-Niles is now with AS Roma on loan.
Manager Mikel Arteta is desperate for signings to replace them and many options have been considered, including Tielemans.
Juventus duo weighing up Arsenal move
Elsewhere, Arsenal’s targets, Juventus duo Dejan Kulusevski and Arthur Melo are reportedly interested in playing for Arsenal and would welcome a move to the Emirates this January.
The Bianconeri duo, who have both struggled this season under Massimiliano Allegri, have been linked with the Gunners in recent weeks.
Injury to Federico Chiesa, however, could prevent Arsenal from getting Kulusevski, whose stock at Juventus should rise as the club looks for a winger to play in place of Chiesa.
As it stands, there has been no contact between Arsenal and Juventus and the Gunners will now wait to decide if they’ll make a move.
