Newcastle United sporting director Dan Ashworth has personally made enquiries about Arsenal target Youri Tielemans.
The Gunners have been one of the busiest clubs in the transfer window so far, and they are showing no signs of stopping yet.
Gabriel Jesus, Matt Turner, Marquinhos and Fabio Vieira have all signed already this summer as Mikel Arteta prepares for the return of European football. However, central midfield remains a priority area, and a new arrival could come in before the new season begins.
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In recent days, Arsenal have been linked with Lazio midfielder Sergej Milinkovic-Savic as they assess their options for the remainder of the window. The Serbian has attracted the attention of many, but according to Ben Jacobs of CBS Sports, Tielemans remains Arsenal's number one choice.
Taking to Twitter, the reporter wrote: "Youri Tielemans update. Told Tielemans is more likely than Sergej Milinković-Savić for Arsenal. No truth yet in any bid, though. Man United's interest is growing and could finally provoke formal offers from both clubs. Tielemans wants Arsenal. But as yet, nothing tabled to #LCFC."
But the Gunners now face competition from Newcastle. Speaking on The Football Terrace, Jacobs has said that the Magpies' interest is growing.
"If Arsenal put in an offer, Tielemans wants to go to Arsenal," he said. "If Arsenal don't put in an offer, that's when it gets interesting because Tielemans would still rather move for European football than stay at Leicester.
"He'd still rather move to a big club like Manchester United than have to extend at Leicester City. And he'd like his future resolved as early as possible in a World Cup year.
"Newcastle are growing in their interest. Dan Ashworth has made enquiries. But nothing, as yet, has materialised."
Arsenal remain in pole position, but they'll have to get a move on if they wish to sign the Belgian.
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