Alan Smith has told Stadium Astro that Leicester City star Youri Tielemans fits the profile of the midfielder Arsenal need to sign this summer. However, Manchester City are already reportedly in talks for the Belgian.
Leicester are renowned for selling their big-name players in order to improve other areas of the squad. In recent years, Ben Chilwell, Harry Maguire, Riyad Mahrez and more have left for big money.
James Maddison has also been linked – but 24-year-old Tielemans is the latest to be suggested as a possible exit. That is largely because the 47-time Belgium star is set to enter the final year of his contract at the King Power.
Foot Mercato claim Manchester City are already in talks to land Tielemans, with Fabrizio Romano reporting Leicester want as much as £42million. Smith wants Arsenal to sign him, though, despite numerous clubs linked.
“Tielemans could come to the Emirates. He is the ideal sort of profile, someone in their mid-twenties. It is a big summer coming up for Arsenal,” ex-Arsenal striker Smith said, when discussing what Arsenal need.
Smith on Tielemans: Leicester star would be brilliant for Arsenal
Arsenal need a midfielder this summer. They tried to bring one in in the summer, only for a move to sign Juventus ace Arthur end up in failure. Tielemans certainly fits the mould that Edu and Mikel Arteta have instilled.
But realistically, Tielemans will only be tempted with a move to Arsenal if the Gunners can win a place in the top four. They look good to achieve that at the moment, but Tottenham and Manchester United are fighting them.
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