Kevin Campbell has claimed that Arsenal’s possible transfer deal for Youri Tielemans will be done ‘further down the line’, as he told the Highbury Squad.
The Arsenal legend added that Tielemans is a ‘more important’ signing than someone like Raphinha because Mikel Arteta already has Bukayo Saka to pick from out on the right channel.
On Tuesday, the Europa League side added Fabio Vieira to their squad, as the left-footed midfielder will provide much-needed depth and attacking quality to the middle of the park.
Does that mean Arsenal won’t go in for another midfielder? Well, Darren Bent certainly thinks they can still sign both, as he noted that they are back in Europe.
Nonetheless, this is what Campbell had to say about Arsenal possibly pushing for Tielemans this summer.
“I would say Tielemans (is a more important signing than Raphinha),” said Campbell. “Soley because we need somebody from the middle of the pitch who can pick a pass, score goals, who can unlock a defence.
“Raphinha is a very good player, don’t get me wrong. But I think if we didn’t get him, then we know Saka, he has been Player of the Year for two seasons in a row. So, he’s going to get better.
“But I think that centre of the pitch, we have lacked that creativity. Goal. Guile and that bit of quality to open teams up. I think Tielemans is key and it might not be done before some of the others. It might be one of the last.
“I think it’s down to Leicester (wanting more money). You might want the player, but it’s the club who say ‘well, we want £50 million or we want this and that’. It might need the player to go in and speak to them. If the Tielemans deal gets done, then it won’t be done in a week. It will be a bit further down the line.”
ARSENAL NEEDED PROVEN STARS
Mikel Arteta has built a young squad in north London, the youngest in the Premier League last season, in fact.
Now, is that a valid excuse for them missing out on fourth spot? Probably not. But the Gunners are still building for the long-term.
But this is the time where they go to the next level, especially off the field of play. Yes, they shouldn’t stop bringing in the young players, both through the transfer market and the academy.
However, if the club can sprinkle it with proven stars, then the life of those young players would be made a lot easier and Arsenal could probably take that next step in the Premier League.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
