In an apparent transfer boost for Arsenal, Brendan Rodgers hasn’t ruled out an exit for star Leicester City player Youri Tielemans [Daily Mail].
Earlier this week, Goal reported that Arsenal are interested in Tielemans.
The Belgium international has impressed since joining the Foxes from Monaco, initially on loan in January 2019 and then on a permanent deal for a fee in the region of £32m six months later.
It’s been claimed that negotiations have already taken place between the Gunners and the 24-year-old’s representatives at London Colney.
Given that Tielemans is contracted until the summer of 2023, Leicester have the power to block a move for some time yet.
Leicester boss gives indication of stance on Tielemans
However, that doesn’t sound like something Rodgers is planning to do if the player himself wants to leave.
“You always have to, that is key,” said the Leicester boss, after being asked if he’s preparing for life after Tielemans [Daily Mail]. “I have said it before about the pipeline of players.”
“You always have to be looking ahead, that’s important. Sometimes it happens unexpectedly, other times you know where the situation is at.
“He is at an age and at a stage in his contract where he has to ensure he looks at every option. I would love it to be here at Leicester but I understand it’s a very short career.”
Arsenal should be encouraged by Rodgers comments
It’s always difficult to snap up a key player from direct rivals, but it seems like Leicester aren’t planning to be stubborn about Tielemans following three years of excellent service.
And if Arsenal were able to bring him in either in this window or the next, there’s little doubt he would improve Mikel Arteta’s starting XI.
Although he spent some time out with a calf injury, his numbers are strong for a midfielder so far this season, with five goals and two assists in 14 Premier League appearances.
He’s also an experienced winner, helping Anderlecht to four trophies during his time there before earning the Man of the Match award in Leicester’s FA Cup Final triumph over Chelsea last season.
Perhaps the most exciting thing of all for Arsenal fans, though, is that at just 24, it’s likely that his best is still yet to come.
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