Arsenal and Chelsea target Youri Tielemans will not sign a new contract at the King Power Stadium, according to the latest reports.
The 24-year-old has long been linked with a move away from the midlands outfit, but manager Brendan Rodgers has always been determined to keep him at Leicester.
Speaking about the Belgian's future in October, the Leicester boss said, as cited by HITC: “There will obviously be talks with the club in terms of his contract but I continue to work with him and help him improve as a player. That’s my only focus,” said Rodgers.
“He is an outstanding player, one of Europe’s top midfielders. He is integral to our game and a joy to work with — a super professional. A young player with that focus is great to see."
However, Italian transfer guru Fabrizio Romano reported on Friday night that the Belgian will not be extending his deal at the King Power.
"I’ve been told Youri Tielemans will NOT extend his contract with Leicester. New deal bid has been turned down - current one expires in 2023," he wrote on Twitter.
"Of course Youri will be professional, he’s focused on Leicester. Many top clubs want him for June."
Two of those reported clubs are Arsenal and Chelsea, who are both on the hunt for new midfielders in the summer.
Arsenal missed out on target Arthur Melo in January, but have been admirers of Tielemans since his days at Anderlecht. Meanwhile, the Blues have been linked with a number of names, including Declan Rice and Aurelien Tchouameni, but have also been monitoring Tielemans' situation.
The development is likely to put them on red alert, but they will have to fight off competition to win his signature.
