Arsenal target Youri Tielemans is at the top of the club’s list of transfer targets, according to technical director Edu and head coach Mikel Arteta Fabrizio Romano.
The Belgium midfielder has been linked with a move from Leicester this summer after still not signing a new contract at the King Power Stadium with less than a year left on his current deal.
What’s new at Tielemans?
According to CBS reporter Ben JacobsTielemans is fully convinced of a move to the Emirates Stadium this summer and is likely to opt for a move to north London over Manchester United.
Arteta’s side could try to sign the 25-year-old midfielder later in the summer as the club are keen to finalize the signing of Ajax centre-back Lisandro Martínez soon.
The Athletic appear to agree with Romano that Arsenal are yet to make an offer for the £49.5million-rated midfielder this summer but that the Europa League side have a genuine interest in them being able to get a deal across the line .
And Romano believes Tielemans has been at the top of the Edu and Arteta transfer shortlist for some time.
What did Romano say about Tielemans?
He told GIVEMESPORT: “Let’s see if they will decide to make an official offer for Tielemans or if it’s just a contact with his agent.
“He’s always been at the top of Edu and Arteta’s list.”
Would Tielemans be a good signing for Arsenal?
Despite buying Fabio Vieira from Porto for an initial £30million this summer, signing Tielemans this summer would still prove to be an excellent signing for Arteta’s side.
The 52-cap Belgium international made 50 appearances for Brendan Rodgers’ side last season, scoring seven goals and providing five assists, according to Transfermarkt.
And Rodgers would be disappointed to lose his midfielder, calling him “one of the best midfielders in Europe” earlier last season.
One of Tieleman’s greatest strengths is his eye for a forward pass that can propel his team forward and this is backed by FBref which shows the Leicester star is in the top 12% of midfielders in Europe’s top five leagues and in Europe includes competition for progressive passes per 90 minutes (5.80).
The 2021 FA Cup winner is also in the top 15% of midfielders for shooting actions per 90 minutes (2.97), according to the same stats provider, suggesting that much of the midfielder’s play is based on creating chances for himself and to create his teammates .
Despite the fact that Arsenal have already made a costly move to their midfield at Vieira, Arteta would be remiss not to push Tielemans’ signing over the line, particularly when it comes to undermining a Premier League rival who has been struggling has challenged European places in the league in previous seasons.
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