According to recent reports, Arsenal have reignited their interest in Anderlecht’s wonderkid midfielder Youri Tielemans and could make a move for the Belgian’s services either in January or at the end of the current season.
Tielemans, who turned 19 in May, became the youngest Belgian to play in the UEFA Champions League three seasons ago (16 years, 148 days).
Having already made over 100 league appearances for the Belgian giants, he’s considered one of the world’s best young talents and it’s no surprise a number of European clubs have been linked with moves for him in the past.
Tielemans was watched closely last season, in particular by Arsenal’s scouts sent over to Belgium specifically to watch the teen, and club-dedicated website PurpleSpirit have said they were present once more this past week during their Europa League fixture against FK Qabala.
Unfortunately for Youri though, he sustained ankle ligament damage in the first-half after a hefty challenge and had to be substituted shortly before the 20 minute mark.
Youri Tielemans has been taken to hospital. Might be sidelined for several months. #AndQab #rsca pic.twitter.com/uytzd2LaxZ
— Sporting Anderlecht (@Sporting_AND) September 15, 2016
The severity of the injury itself is not yet known, but he’s expected to be sidelined for at least a few weeks.
No doubt, Youri will be itching to get back onto the pitch sooner rather than later, especially with the season having just begun.