Arsenal are looking to bring in Leicester City’s Youri Tielemans while they are reportedly closing in on Arthur from Juventus.

LEICESTER, ENGLAND: Youri Tielemans of Leicester City scores their team's first goal from the penalty spot during the Emirates FA Cup Third Round match between Leicester City and Watford at The King Power Stadium on January 08, 2022. (Photo by Michael Regan / Getty Images)
LEICESTER, ENGLAND: Youri Tielemans of Leicester City scores their team’s first goal from the penalty spot during the Emirates FA Cup Third Round match between Leicester City and Watford at The King Power Stadium on January 08, 2022. (Photo by Michael Regan / Getty Images)

Goal report that Arsenal are interested in Youri Tielemans, and they’ve already held talks with his agent about a potential move. The two parties met at London Colney in recent weeks to discuss the situation.

The Leicester City man is in the final 18 months of his contract and not expected to extend.

But the deal looks unlikely to happen in the January transfer window. Tieleman’s current club want to keep him until the end of the season, at which point Arsenal believe they could be an appealing summer option.

The interest in Tielemans helps to explain Arsenal’s apparent plan to bring in Arthur Melo on a straight loan from Juventus. That would plug the gap until Tielemans’ transfer is more achievable.

Leicester City's Belgian midfielder Youri Tielemans celebrates scoring the opening goal during the English Premier League football match between Leicester City and Arsenal at King Power Stadium in Leicester, central England on April 28, 2019. (Photo by Lindsey PARNABY / AFP)
Leicester City’s Belgian midfielder Youri Tielemans celebrates scoring the opening goal during the English Premier League football match between Leicester City and Arsenal at King Power Stadium in Leicester, central England on April 28, 2019. (Photo by Lindsey PARNABY / AFP)

Tielemans is still a regular in Leicester’s current side, making 23 appearances this season already. He contributes to the goals fairly often for his position, scoring six and assisting three this campaign following 15 goal contributions last season.

Given Leicester’s ambitions of European football, you can see why a sale to a fellow Premier League side is unlikely this month.

For now, we can probably put this rumour on the backburner, but expect it to crop up again as summer edges closer.

Arsenal close in on Arthur from Juventus

BENEVENTO, ITALY - NOVEMBER 28: Melo Arthur of Juventus during the Serie A match between Benevento Calcio and Juventus at Stadio Ciro Vigorito on November 28, 2020 in Benevento, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)
BENEVENTO, ITALY: Melo Arthur of Juventus during the Serie A match between Benevento Calcio and Juventus at Stadio Ciro Vigorito on November 28, 2020. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)

Multiple reports suggest Arsenal are edging closer to signing Arthur Melo from Juventus on loan, but the player won’t be available against Tottenham Hotspur this weekend.

Charles Watts reports that Arsenal are hoping talks with Juventus today will help to move the loan forward, with the player pushing for it.

Arthur reportedly sees the Premier League as the best in the hold and want the move done quickly, but he and Arsenal are still waiting on Juventus’ approval.

The Evening Standard report that Arsenal have indicated they would be willing to cover Arthur’s wages in full, with a straight loan appearing the most likely option.

Fabrizio Romano reiterates this claim, stating that there’s no obligation to buy clause included in the current negotiations. But Juventus are unwilling to accept until they find a replacement.

The Telegraph report that Arsenal are hopeful Arthur will be arriving soon, but not in time for the North London derby.

Unfortunately, the player would have had to be registered by midday on Friday to feature in the derby, so it’s already too late.

REGGIO NELL'EMILIA, ITALY: Melo Arthur of Juventus runs with the ball during the Serie A match between US Sassuolo and Juventus at Mapei Stadium - Città del Tricolore on May 12, 2021. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini / Getty Images)
REGGIO NELL’EMILIA, ITALY: Melo Arthur of Juventus runs with the ball during the Serie A match between US Sassuolo and Juventus at Mapei Stadium – Città del Tricolore on May 12, 2021. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini / Getty Images)

Over in Brazil, they’re running a slightly different version of the story, with Globo Esporte reporting that Arsenal would have an option to buy in the loan deal.

As of now, they seem to be the only outlet suggesting it’s not just a straight loan.

There’s still a chance Arsenal can get the deal done in time for the League Cup semi-final second leg at the Emirates Stadium next Thursday, which would be a boost to the team’s chances of reaching the final. For now, the waiting game continues.