Arsenal have been handed a huge wake-up call in the race to sign Youri Tielemans amid growing interest from Newcastle United. The 25-year-old faces an increasingly uncertain future at the King Power Stadium as he enters the final 12 months of his deal at Leicester City.
football.london understand that the Gunners were interested in signing the Belgium international in the summer despite having signed a midfielder in the shape of Fabio Vieira. The north Londoners are long admirers of Tielemans but, despite the Foxes leaving the door open to exits, a move failed to materialise.
And, now, Arsenal look set to miss out on the Belgian, who is set to be a bargain in January with Brendan Rodgers' side left just three options; cash-in and recoup a fee; retain his services and value his output over financial gain for the rest of the season; or offer Tielemans a bumper new deal that's worthy of accepting. But, while technical director Edu ponders, Eddie Howe's side could soon leave the Gunners in the dust.
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According to Jeunes Footeux, the Magpies are warming to the idea of signing Tielemans. The report states that Newcastle are considering a bid in the region of £17million.
He featured 32 times for Leicester in the Premier League last season, directly contributing towards 10 goals. The Belgian's impressive displays have attracted great attention, though no side has been willing to take the plunge.
Tielemans has appeared six times for the Foxes this season, though the Midlands-based club have struggled for form. Speaking ahead of Leicester's clash against Brentford earlier this term, Rodgers revealed that the Belgian was keen to solve his future.
"Of course, it is in the back of the mind, that sort of what-if scenario," the Leicester boss said. "But I know he is also very keen to… he doesn’t want anything to drag on either.
"He really, really enjoys being here and his young family really enjoy the area. He doesn’t want to put his kids into school, start school and then have to end up taking them out. He is very much a family man. The conversation was really good, really open, really honest and we both know where it’s at."
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