MIKEL ARTETA has requested Arsenal sign Youri Tielemans in January, according to reports.
And they could try and tempt Leicester to cash in on their £40million Belgian midfielder.
Tielemans, 25, is out of contract at the King Power at the end of the season and has rejected the offer of an extension.
SunSport revealed the Arsenal board will back Arteta in the January transfer window to bolster the squad and continue their surprise title challenge.
And according to Rudy Galetti reporter Manuel Maraia, he is finally going to push for a move for Tielemans.
The article adds they face competition from another English team and two teams in Serie A for Tielemans’ signature.
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But it is understood Leicester retain hope he will put pen to paper on a new deal with the Foxes and extend his stay in the East Midlands.
Although Brendan Rodgers’ side are being linked with Lorient’s French midfielder Enzo Le Fee as a possible replacement should they lose their No8.
Tielemans would improve the options in the middle of the park for Arsenal, especially with Thomas Partey’s injury struggles.
The Gunners have been linked with Tielemans for the past few transfer windows but never made a formal bid.
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After signing Fabio Vieira, they failed in their deadline-day bids for Douglas Luiz, who has now signed a new Aston Villa contract.
Tielemans struggled to find his best form last season but has been back near his mercurial best this term.
The FA Cup winner has scored twice in 13 Premier League appearances – including his stunning volley against Wolves.
The ex-Monaco ace – who is set to be part of the Belgian World Cup squad in Qatar – has even captained Leicester in recent weeks.
Manager Brendan Rodgers said this week: “Youri’s been a fantastic professional for us, even though he’s in the situation with his contract, he’s never wavered with his mentality and what he gives to the team.
“Youri provides the team with a great know-how in the game. He’s a wonderful player to work with.
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“I’ll just continue to work and develop his game while he’s here, however long that is.
“I’d love him to sign another deal and continue his journey here. We’ll see in the coming months.”
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
