Arsenal's pursuit of Leicester City midfielder Youri Tielemans has seemed to intensify in recent weeks after the Belgian's turnaround of form. Tielemans' deal at the King Power Stadium expires at the end of the season and he seems almost certain to leave Brendan Rodgers' side.
Tielemans joins Palmeiras midfielder Danilo as Mikel Arteta's top two midfield targets as the Gunners continued to be linked with a hefty list of top names ahead of the January transfer window. Arsenal are not normally associated with spending in January with their last big signing in the winter - minus Martin Odegaard's loan from Real Madrid - being Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang in 2018.
However, 2023 provides a fresh outlook on the mid-season window as Arteta's men find themselves currently top of the Premier League and already deep into an intense title battle with reigning champions Manchester City. The title may still not return to north London for the first time since 2004 in May, but why not go all out for it?
READ MORE: Arsenal January transfer stance on Youri Tielemans and Danilo revealed amid key Edu decision
The Gunners will be top on Christmas Day should they defeat Wolves on Saturday and the World Cup break gives Arteta and technical director Edu an opportunity to rethink their strategy ahead of a hectic 2023. The Gunners currently lack in squad depth compared to Pep Guardiola's side and reinforcements may be added to ensure Arteta's side have the best possibility of success.
Tielemans would do no harm to Arsenal's title chances. If anything, it would undoubtedly bolster Arteta's options in the middle of the park. Despite starting the campaign poorly at Leicester, the 25-year-old has enjoyed a string of impressive performances accompanied with a couple of incredible strikes.
football.london previously reported that the club were prepared to wait until his deal in the East Midlands expires to secure his services. There remains no indication of a new deal at Leicester, meaning Tielemans has the task of proving to Arteta and Edu why they should sign him.
According to Belgian outlet Voetbal Primeur [via Mundo Deportivo], the Gunners have an agreement with the player for him to sign for the north-Londoners in the summer. There remains interest from Newcastle, Barcelona and Manchester United, but it does seem like he is more likely to choose Arteta's side.
However, further impressive performances in Qatar for the Belgium national team could force Edu to jump and gun and pay a fee for Tielemans. As mentioned before, Arsenal are desperate for more bodies in Arteta's roster - especially midfield - and it's likely that the £25 million tag reported in the summer would be enough.
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