During the summer transfer window, Arsenal's hunt to sign a central midfielder was well-documented. One of the names high on Edu's list of targets was Leicester City star Youri Tielemans.
football.london reported during the window that the Belgian was keen on a move to the Emirates Stadium and that he would be willing to see out the last year of his Leicester contract before sealing a move. Though if a rival made an offer this summer, Arsenal would make their move.
The Gunners could sign Tielemans on a free transfer at the end of the season. But, Arsenal need immediate strengthening in the midfield and Edu may have been dealt a blow to do so during the January transfer window.
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According to French news outlet L'Equipe, Leicester had made a first offer for Angers star Azzedine Ounahi. The World Cup performances of the Moroccan midfielder had reportedly persuaded Leicester to make a move.
This was a major boost for Arsenal because Tielemans and Ounahi play in the same position, which means Leicester have identified Ounahi as their replacement if Tielemans is to join Arsenal.
However, this process is now in doubt as Serie A Napoli have offered a €19million (£17millon) total package deal to Angers to sign Ounahi in the January transfer window, meaning Leicester could miss out on an ideal replacement that would allow Tielemans to move on.
Arsenal need to strengthen the midfielder department as Albert Sambi Lokonga and Mohammed Elneny are the two backup players to Thomas Partey and Granit Xhaka, but their levels in terms of experience and quality do not compare with the two starters.
Tielemans’ range of passing and ability to strike the ball also makes him a useful option in the No.8 role. The Leicester midfielder has shown his quality in the Premier League over the last three seasons.
The Belgian would have been a welcomed addition in January, but if Leicester are unable to sign a replacement, it could put a potential deal in jeopardy.
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