Arsenal are the favourites to sign Leicester City midfielder Youri Tielemans, who is ready to leave the King Power Stadium.
What’s the word?
That’s according to CBS reporter Ben Jacobs, who had the following to say to GIVEMESPORT:
“He’s fully sold on a move to Arsenal, so if Manchester United were to bid for Tielemans, they will only get him if Arsenal decide that’s fine, go ahead and take the player. It’s not really a head-to-head.
“But I don’t think that Manchester United can beat Arsenal to Tielemans. It’s not a case of deciding between the two.”
As a result, that currently makes the Gunners favourites to get what could be a £25m deal across the line.
Supporters will be buzzing
Arsenal have already enjoyed a busy start to their summer, with Mikel Arteta getting in the necessary reinforcements to ensure that Champions League can be attained in the coming season.
One player who would certainly give them a boost in that direction is Tielemans, who has impressed since signing permanently for Leicester back in 2019.
A player with a fine range of passing, an eye for a goal and assist, and not afraid to do the dirty work, the Belgium international could come to the Emirates as a complete midfielder ready to complete Arteta’s puzzle.
Just last season he managed an impressive ten goal contributions in the league from central midfield, which will have helped towards his fine average SofaScore rating of 7.08.
His consistency in midfield has allowed Leicester to far outperform their expectations, as they have established themselves as one of ‘the best of the rest’ outside the traditional top-six.
His offensive stats on FBref also make for remarkable viewing, and alongside Granit Xhaka the two could really allow each other to flourish.
Tielemans, who has been dubbed “outrageous” and a “phenomenon” sits in the 94th percentile for total shots and averages 5.80 progressive passes per 90. However, he still manages 16.73 pressures and 2.16 tackles per 90, which is impressive considering that is seldom his role within the team.
His manager Brendan Rodgers is naturally a huge fan of his, labelling him “one of Europe’s top midfielders”. He will be gutted at the prospect of losing a star this big.
It would therefore be a steal for Arteta and Edu to convince this calibre of player to the Gunners, and supporters will be delighted to see them bridge the gap between them and that elusive top four.
