Speaking on the Talking Transfers Podcast, Graeme Bailey has been discussing Youri Tielemans as Arsenal continue to be linked with Lucas Paqueta.
The Gunners are being strongly linked with Paqueta by a number of outlets, but according to Bailey, that isn’t a transfer that is imminent.
Indeed, Bailey says that a move for Tielemans is much more likely than a move for Paqueta at this point and that a deal could be struck for as low as £20m.
What’s been said?
Bailey spoke about Tielemans and Arsenal.
“I understand that the Tielemans interest is still there. I think that is much more likely than Paqueta. Tielemans at that price, yeah, he didn’t have a great season last season, but at that price you have to take a swing. Potentially just £20m including add-ons and I think that suits Arsenal down to the ground. Tielemans is better than Partey, he’s better than Xhaka by a long way, so I think he would be a great signing for Arsenal,” Bailey said.
No brainer
In our view, if Arsenal have to choose between Tielemans and Paqueta, it’s a no brainer.
Paqueta is valued at £35m more that Tielemans, he’s not proven in the Premier League, and as an attacking midfielder, there’s no real space for him in the squad.
Meanwhile, Tielemans would slot beautifully into the role currently occupied by Granit Xhaka and at £20m, he’d be an absolute bargain.
The Belgian has shown his quality at this level for years at this point, and there would be very little risk attached to this signing.
Arsenal would be wise to go for Tielemans over Paqueta.
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