Speaking on the Talking Transfers Podcast, Graeme Bailey has claimed that Arsenal had a sniff at signing Youri Tielemans on deadline day.
The Gunners have been linked with Tielemans for a long time, with their interest dating back to last January, and they tried to get him through the door on deadline day, but instead ended up signing Jorginho.
Despite a late approach from Arsenal, this move didn’t come to fruition as Leicester remained determined to keep hold of the player.
However, with Tielemans’ contract set to expire at the end of the season, Bailey suggests that Arsenal could end up getting the 25-year-old in the summer transfer window on a free.
Arsenal moved for Tielemans
Bailey shared what he knows about this situation.
“We saw this last year with Douglas Luiz. They were still trying. They had another sniff at Youri Tielemans who might still end up there in the summer on a free transfer. Arteta persuaded the club’s hierarchy and Edu to go in for Jorginho because he’s the one who could help them get over the line,” Bailey said.
Get him in
A move for Tielemans on deadline day didn’t materialise, but a summer transfer could, and probably should, be on the cards.
The 25-year-old is exactly what Arsenal need. A quality, long-term midfielder who can provide unbelievable depth.
Yes, he’s probably not going to be a starter in the long-term as Arsenal target the likes of Declan Rice and Moises Caicedo, but having a player like Tielemans on the bench is how you become contenders for the biggest prizes in this game.
Tielemans on a free this summer will be a great deal for whoever can get it done.
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