Arsenal are reportedly poised to make a final surging assault on Leicester City’s transfer department with the aspiration of ensnaring Youri Tielemans and bringing him to the Emirates Stadium.
What’s the word?
Gunners boss Mikel Arteta has held an interest in Tielemans for a considerable amount of time, with previous reports from Spain (via Sport Witness) claiming Arsenal have always been leading the chase, despite involvement from FC Barcelona.
And now, The Mirror are reporting that Arsenal technical director Edu is targeting a final push this winter to emerge with their man, who will be free to negotiate with other clubs in January, with his contract with Leicester expiring in June.
With CaughtOffside also exclusively claiming that the Gunners are cautiously optimistic that a deal can be struck before the final hour having agreed personal terms with the player, all the signs seem to be pointing in one direction and one direction only; the Emirates Stadium.
Forget Danilo
With the also club eyeing the likes of Palmeiras’ young prospect Danilo, it seems ludicrous to fork out a similar sum on an untested talent of the same ilk when a world-class star, who can flourish at the club for years to come, can be placed into the team and contribute towards the fight across the domestic and continental front instantly.
Given the Foxes’ struggles this term, and the fact that Tielemans will know he fights for a team he will likely not be playing for in a matter of time, it is remarkable that his level of performance has remained so high.
As per Transfermarkt, the 25-year-old Belgian ace has played 15 Premier League games this season, scoring three times and assisting once, playing a vital role in the lift from their languishing spot and climbing the table with a string of great performances before the season paused for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
As per Sofascore, the 58-cap ace holds a rating of 7.21 in the Premier League this season, completing 86% of his passes and creating five big chances for his teammates, while also making 2.3 tackles per match and recording 0.8 interceptions.
And having won the FA Cup and the FA Community Shield during his time with City, indeed scoring a resounding goal in the final of the FA Cup against Chelsea, the “phenomenon” – as dubbed by former Swedish player Par Zetterberg – is well worth the interest being taken in his name.
FBref highlights further metrics to increase the hype in his name, notably from a defensive standpoint, ranking him within the top 17% for tackles and 16% for blocks when compared to midfielders across Europe’s big five leagues this past year.
With Gunners boss Mikel Arteta observing the player with great interest, it feels that a deal will swiftly be struck, and at just £25m – due to the little time left on his contract – Arsenal must cut their losses and plunge headfirst for a player who can lift them from the ground. Indeed, in that regard, he is a far better option for Edu than his compatriot, Danilo.
