Youri Tielemans of Leicester City is currently Arsenal’s top midfield target for a summer transfer, according to David Ornstein.

Leicester City's Belgian midfielder Youri Tielemans warms up ahead of the UEFA Conference League semi-final first leg football match between Leicester City and Roma at King Power Stadium, in Leicester, on April 28, 2022. (Photo by OLI SCARFF/AFP via Getty Images)
Leicester City’s Belgian midfielder Youri Tielemans warms up ahead of the UEFA Conference League semi-final first leg football match between Leicester City and Roma at King Power Stadium, in Leicester, on April 28, 2022. (Photo by OLI SCARFF/AFP via Getty Images)

The Athletic’s David Ornstein reports that Arsenal intend to recruit in midfield this summer, and Leicester City’s Youri Tielemans is currently their top target for the No. 8 role.

Arsenal’s transfer team are in favour of signing the midfielder, and talks with his representatives have reportedly further encouraged them.

Ornstein adds that Leicester’s stance and Tielemans’ preference aren’t yet clear, but with only a year on his deal this summer, it could be the perfect time to make a move for him.

Over in Tielemans’ home country of Belgium, Het Laatste Nieuws (via Sport Witness) report that Arsenal are crazy about Tielemans, and though they haven’t made a concrete offer yet, they’ve held positive talks with the player’s camp.

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That report adds that Leicester are hoping for €35-40m (£30-34m) for the 25-year-old’s sale, and that they’ll be pushed towards selling if Tielemans doesn’t sign a new deal in the coming weeks.

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)

Various tabloids reported on Arsenal links to Tielemans this week, with The Mirror claiming Arsenal will be favourites if they finish in the top four.

CBS Sports’ Ben Jacobs recently revealed that Arsenal have been in talks over the potential signing of Tielemans for a year, meeting with the player’s agent on multiple occasions.

Both Edu and Mikel Arteta are keen on the player, knowing he won’t sign a new deal at Leicester City and his current contract expires in 2023. Jacobs believed Tielemans could be available for just £25m.

The Telegraph had reported that Leicester are making plans for summer signings, but their current financial situation will force them to sell to bring players in.

Tielemans is one of the players likely to be on the way out, with The Telegraph agreeing with Jacobs that he’ll be priced at around £25m.

Tielemans has seven goals and four assists in 46 games for Leicester City in all competitions this season, with nine of those goal contributions coming in his 28 Premier League games.

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