Arsenal’s manager, Mikel Arteta, has his sights set on Leicester City’s Belgian midfielder, Youri Tielemans.

As his contract ends this June, a free signing seems likely, promising to reinforce Arsenal’s midfield.

LEICESTER, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 15: Youri Tielemans of Leicester City during the Premier League match between Leicester City and Crystal Palace at The King Power Stadium on October 15, 2022 in Leicester, England. (Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images)
LEICESTER, ENGLAND – OCTOBER 15: Youri Tielemans of Leicester City during the Premier League match between Leicester City and Crystal Palace at The King Power Stadium on October 15, 2022 in Leicester, England. (Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images)
  • Youri Tielemans, the Belgian midfielder at Leicester City, has reportedly become a priority target for Arsenal’s coach Mikel Arteta.
  • Tielemans is expected to reinforce the core team at Arsenal’s Emirates Stadium for the 2023/2024 season, without any cost beyond a signing on bonus and salary.
  • Despite receiving offers from Madrid and Barcelona, Tielemans might become a significant addition to the London team in the coming weeks. 

Targeting Tielemans for a promising season

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)

As the Premier League’s transfer market draws near, Arsenal are setting their sights on some major reinforcements, primarily focusing on the midfield.

Among the top contenders is Youri Tielemans, a Belgian midfielder currently with Leicester City.

His contract ends on June 30, setting the stage for what could be a priority signing for Mikel Arteta.

Pursuing a zero-cost operation

Leicester City's Belgian midfielder Youri Tielemans (R) vies with Arsenal's Brazilian defender Gabriel (L) and Arsenal's Swiss midfielder Granit Xhaka (C) during the English Premier League football match between Arsenal and Leicester City at the Emirates Stadium in London on August 13, 2022. (Photo by ADRIAN DENNIS/AFP via Getty Images)
Leicester City’s Belgian midfielder Youri Tielemans (R) vies with Arsenal’s Brazilian defender Gabriel (L) and Arsenal’s Swiss midfielder Granit Xhaka (C) during the English Premier League football match between Arsenal and Leicester City at the Emirates Stadium in London on August 13, 2022. (Photo by ADRIAN DENNIS/AFP via Getty Images)

Given the situation, Arsenal may have an advantageous opportunity on their hands.

Tielemans’ arrival at the Emirates Stadium could potentially occur at zero cost, aside from the signing on fee and his salary despite being valued at €30m.

This deal is seen as a strategic move for Arsenal to boost their squad after several years of not quite hitting the mark and falling short in the 22/23 season.

The anticipated arrival of Tielemans

Croatia's defender #22 Josip Juranovic (L) and Belgium's midfielder #08 Youri Tielemans run for the ball during the Qatar 2022 World Cup Group F football match between Croatia and Belgium at the Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium in Al-Rayyan, west of Doha on December 1, 2022. (Photo by CHANDAN KHANNA/AFP via Getty Images)
Croatia’s defender #22 Josip Juranovic (L) and Belgium’s midfielder #08 Youri Tielemans run for the ball during the Qatar 2022 World Cup Group F football match between Croatia and Belgium at the Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium in Al-Rayyan, west of Doha on December 1, 2022. (Photo by CHANDAN KHANNA/AFP via Getty Images)

Mikel Arteta is well aware of the importance of a strong squad to guarantee a competitive 2023/2024 season.

Addressing the team’s need for a midfielder and a forward is top of his agenda.

Tielemans, who has also been courted by offers from Madrid and Barcelona, could soon be the talk of the town in London.

With his stellar record of 187 games, 28 goals, and 25 assists with Leicester, his addition to Arsenal could be a game-changer.