Speaking on The Athletic Football Podcast, David Ornstein has been discussing Youri Tielemans amid continued links to Arsenal.
The Belgian has been linked with the Gunners for months at this point, but, as of yet, a move hasn’t materialised.
According to Ornstein, the north London outfit remain very keen on Tielemans, stating that the higher-ups at Arsenal are ‘all-in’ on the 25-year-old, but unfortunately, this could be a complicated deal.
Indeed, the journalist states that Arsenal may well need to sell a midfield player before thinking about a move for Tielemans.
What’s been said?
Ornstein spoke about the Leicester ace’s situation.
“One question I’m asked most, by Arsenal fans in particular, is what is the latest with Youri Tielemans. He has 12 months left on his Leicester contract and they would be open to selling if they get a suitable offer,” Ornstein said.
“We’ve reported that Arsenal have a firm interest in him. The decision makers at the club are all-in on him but it’s more complicated than that because when you speak to people around this situation they make it clear that there may need to be a departure first for Tielemans to come in, be that Granit Xhaka or someone else in that area of the field to free up the space and the finance.”
Bad timing
Unfortunately for Tielemans, he’s angling for this move away from the King Power Stadium at the wrong time.
Not only is he coming off the back of arguably his worst season for the Foxes, most clubs in the Champions League aren’t necessarily looking for a midfielder in his mould.
Tottenham are looking for a more all-action midfielder, and have signed Yves Bissouma, while Arsenal are keen to sign players who are more versatile such as Oleksandr Zinchenko who looks set to arrive.
Tielemans has, unfortunately, timed this rather poorly.
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