Arsenal are continuing to chase the signing of Leicester midfielder Youri Tielemans this summer but are facing a battle for his signature with Manchester United.
The Belgian has just one year remaining on his contract at The King Power Stadium and the Foxes are reportedly open to selling their midfield maestro this summer. Mikel Arteta is eager to bolster his midfield and with Tielemans now linked with a move to the Emirates for over a year now, it is no surprise to see he is their first choice.
Fabio Vieira has already arrived to provide an added option in the middle of the park but with Arsenal back in Europa League action Arteta is eager to ensure they can compete on as many fronts as possible. As far as a Tielemans deal goes, the 25-year-old has already offered an insight into what he may do.
“I try not to think about it much and focus on my own performance. It works well,” Tielemans told Belgian publication Het Belang van Limburg earlier this year. “But it’s actually amazing how much they talk about my future. Every day they name a different club.
“I have the feeling that people think that after this season, I will be out of contract when I still have one year left. I feel good here, I like living here, and my children go to school here. I’m happy both outside and inside football, and Leicester have ambition.
“I am very calm about [my future]. My contract expires in 2023, and it’s not that I absolutely want to leave. I haven’t made my decision yet. If I have to stay another year, I will gladly do so. The club has been really great towards me. They remain very professional, just like me. That will not change.
“There are talks between the club and my advisors. That will remain so. It’s not that I’m ignoring the club. I will study my options in the summer and make a decision. My family is the most important to me. I’m not going somewhere where I know my family isn’t happy. As a father of two children, you have to think about that too.”
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