Portuguese newspaper A Bola have reported that Arsenal were in Belgium on Sunday for a play-off game between Anderlecht and Standard Liege.
Sport Witness have said that A Bola had a list of the clubs represented at the game as Portuguese giants Benfica also had scouts in attendance.
Anderlecht played Arsenal earlier in the season, testing us in both games during the Champions League group stage when we somehow won in Belgium before throwing away at 3-0 lead to draw at the Emirates Stadium.
Anderlecht’s young side has gathered plenty attention around Europe with young stars Dennis Praet and Youri Tielemans particularly catching the eye.
Praet, 21, had a trial with Arsenal at the age of 16 but was ultimately unsuccessful. Since then he has proven himself and is completing his third season in the Anderlecht first team. Praet created Anderlecht’s goal against Arsenal in our eventual 2-1 win away from home and has six goals as well as nine assists in the Jupiler Pro League this season.
The other man Arsenal would probably be keen on is a more defensive midfielder, and the most impressive talent at Anderlecht.
Youri Tielemans will be a household name very soon. Breaking into the first team at the age of 16, he is already a crucial player for the Belgian champions. Tielemans is a technically superb midfielder who usually sits in front of the back four, and could be just what Arsenal need.
After turning 18 at the beginning of the month the teenager signed a new contract with the club. Maybe another year or two in Belgium would be good for him, but the contract may have been a way to ensure the club gets a good fee for him.
Tielemans has three goals in seven games for the Belgian u21 team and could realistically play in any central midfield role. Hot property and sure to end up at one of Europe’s elite clubs, if Arsenal want him they should act soon.
A Bola also reported that Everton, Benfica, Marseille, Valencia, Wolfsburg, Borussia Dortmund, Bayer Leverkusen, Fiorentina and Inter Milan were at the game – if Arsenal want one of the Belgian stars of tomorrow, they will have to act quickly.