Arsenal are reportedly 'in contact' with Youri Tielemans' camp as the Gunners weigh up a summer move for the Leicester City playmaker.
The Belgium international looks likely to leave the King Power Stadium this summer, with the midfielder entering the final year of his contract. Leicester are said to be open to a sale to avoid losing Tielemans on a free at the end of next season.
North London rivals Arsenal and Tottenham have both been linked with the 25-year-old, who has made more than 100 appearances for the Foxes since signing from Monaco on an initial loan deal in 2019. The Gunners' failure to secure Champions League football next term was seen as a potential road block to a summer move to the Emirates Stadium.
However, a recent report from the Athletic suggests Tielemans no longer views participation in the competition as a necessity. This has been followed up by a report from Dutch outlet HLN, who claim Arsenal have been in contact with the midfielder's representatives for more than month.
The title goes on to suggest members of the Gunners' hierarchy are 'convinced' that a deal can be agreed shortly after the international break. Tielemans is currently on duty with Belgium, and Roberto Martinez's side face one more Nations League fixture against Poland on Tuesday night before the summer break.
HLN claim Leicester are yet to place a price tag on their star midfielder, although reports claim a fee in the region of £30 million could be enough to secure a deal. Tielemans could partner Thomas Partey at the heart of Arsenal's midfield next season, with Switzerland international Granit Xhaka again linked with a move away.
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The former Anderlecht prospect has made two Nations League starts for the Red Devils, and was asked about his future ahead of the clash with Poland. Tielemans told reporters: "That is not out of the question. But I can also stay.
"I feel very good at Leicester, I was welcomed with open arms from day one. I give everything for the club until the last day.
“But of course you have to listen to other opportunities, you have to look at your career, and sometimes you have to make choices. Maybe one will come my way.
"You need to stay calm. I’m good where I am. I still have a year left on my contract. I’m not in a rush. When you change clubs, you don’t change just to change. You change because there is a great project on the table.
“For a player, the most important thing is to play. It’ll be up to me to make the right decision regarding my future this summer, but now, I’m relaxed and focusing on the Red Devils.”
Arsenal are expected to be busy once again in the transfer market following a spending spree in excess of £100 million last summer. Arteta is said to be in the market for a new striker following the departures of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Alexandre Lacazette, with Manchester City forward Gabriel Jesus reportedly a target.
