Aaron Ramsdale’s move to Arsenal could highlight that the Gunners' recent Youri Tielemans decision is simply a negotiation tactic by Edu. The north London side are set to sign Portuguese midfielder Fabio Vieira which has put doubts over a deal for Tielemans.
Mikel Arteta's side have 'cooled' their interest in Tielemans, according to Sky Sports. The report claims that it's become increasingly likely that the Belgium international now signs a one-year contract extension at the King Power Stadium, with his current deal set to expire in 12 months.
However, this may not be Arsenal’s true intentions as the same situation happened with Ramsdale in the previous summer transfer window. Tielemans would be an ideal acquisition for the Gunners, and with his cheap price tag it would be a surprise for Edu not to complete a deal.
READ MORE: Edu gifted chance to sign Arsenal's ideal Gabriel Jesus partner amid French stars' La Liga move
Ramsdale joined the Gunners for a £30m fee ahead of the 2021/2022 campaign, but a deal was not a smooth process. Similar to Tielemans, James Shield who is the Sheffield United correspondent for The Star reported that when Arsenal claimed to be cooling their interest in Aaron Ramsdale, what they were actually is beginning a new front to battle for the goalkeeper’s signature. This could be the intentions behind the Tielemans deal, with Arsenal reportedly regarding him as a priority signing just a week before the most recent news came to light.
Gabriel Jesus and Youri Tielemans are both said to be priorities for Mikel Arteta, with talks between the club and the players' representatives taking place over the last few months, football.london understands. CBS Sports have also reported that the Gunners are currently the front runners to sign Tielemans. Arsenal reportedly already know that the Belgian will not sign a new deal and could be available for as little as £25m.
Tielemans has played the most minutes compared to any other player at the age of 24 or younger so far in their career, and it is by a large distance. Manchester City forward Gabriel Jesus falls in second place, having played 10,000 minutes less than the midfielder.
The 24-year-old has been a regular in the Premier League for the last three seasons and has played a big part in Leicester's Champions League push over the last few campaigns. The midfielder's impressive performances have seen the likes of Liverpool and Real Madrid show interest in him.
Tielemans’ arrival at Arsenal in the summer would certainly be welcomed by everyone associated with the club. But, Albert Sambi Lokonga would be the player to benefit most from the Belgian’s transfer to the Gunners.
Sambi Lokonga is following the same path as Tielemans in terms of breaking through into the Anderlecht first team at a young age, and then going on to captain the side before reaching the age of 20. Then eventually making a big move into the European top five leagues.
Tielemans could provide the perfect role model for Lokonga if he was to join the club as his compatriot has struggled to adapt in his first season in the Premier League, but he still has the potential to succeed at Arsenal.
A transfer would certainly make sense for the Gunners, and with him only costing £25m, it makes him a bargain for Edu. Arsenal’s track record with transfers last summer could highlight that the recent Tielemans decision is a negotiation tactic by Edu.
