Arsenal are reluctant to advance manager Mikel Arteta’s interest in a potential transfer for Youri Tielemans this summer over concerns relating to the Leicester City star’s physicality.
That’s according to talkSPORT, who report the Gunners are hesitant to raid the King Power Stadium for the Belgian due to his physical stature. Arteta is concerned that Tielemans will not provide the right sort of option to run the north London natives from the engine room.
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Arteta is keen to continue spending on central bodies to improve his squad before the new Premier League season starts. Doubts are also lingering over Granit Xhaka’s future with the Emirates Stadium outfit, with Corriere Dello Sport citing AS Roma as a possible destination.
Arteta has long led Arsenal interest in Leicester star Tielemans
Tielemans may present a viable replacement for Xhaka as the 25-year-old is in the last year of his Leicester contract. He also hit six goals and four assists in 32 Premier League outings last term and returned for pre-season in great shape, having seemingly lost a few pounds.
But Arsenal have so far proven unwilling to send a formal offer, despite Arteta showing an interest in Tielemans leaving Leicester all summer. The Telegraph have long reported that the Gunners boss is the driving force behind the pursuit, and is ready to pay around £25m.
Tielemans would jump at transfer to Arsenal if Arteta advances deal
Tielemans will gladly accept a move to the Emirates Stadium this summer, as well. Fabrizio Romano reports Arsenal would be his priority destination as he would love the transfer to north London. But any move hinges on the Gunners hierarchy overcoming their concerns.
Arteta may only need to look at Tielemans’ performances for Leicester so far this summer in pre-season to advance Arsenal’s interest. The 52-cap midfielder, who Brendan Rodgers has called ‘very impressive’, has been full of running at both ends while often spraying passes.
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