Youri Tielemans, a player once heavily linked with a move to Arsenal, has reportedly signed a free-agent contract with Aston Villa.
Despite Arsenal’s initial interest, the club pursued other targets after the January transfer window, leaving the Belgian midfielder free for Villa to snap up.
- Youri Tielemans, linked with Arsenal, is set to join Aston Villa as a free agent.
- Aston Villa have beaten several top-tier clubs, including Arsenal, to secure Tielemans’ signature.
- Unai Emery, Aston Villa’s manager, sought a quick decision on Tielemans’ move to prepare for the upcoming 2023-24 Europa Conference League.
Aston Villa secures Belgian midfielder, Youri Tielemans
Reports reveal that Aston Villa has beaten several high-profile clubs to secure the signing of Belgian international, Youri Tielemans, as a free agent.
The 26-year-old was previously heavily linked with Arsenal, but the club shifted its focus to other targets after the January transfer window.
Despite stiff competition, Aston Villa succeeded in acquiring the services of Tielemans. The former Leicester City star’s time with the club ended with their Premier League relegation coming at the same time as his contract expired.
Quick decision from Unai Emery
It is reported that Tielemans would undergo a medical at Villa Park this weekend before signing a four-year contract, which would ensure his continued presence in England’s top flight.
The club’s manager, Unai Emery, wanted a quick resolution to the move as he looked forward to rebuilding his squad for the upcoming Europa Conference League football in 2023-24.
Arsenal miss out on Youri Tielemans
Initially, Arsenal and Liverpool were also considered potential destinations for the 26-year-old.
However, it now appears they’ve been outdone by Emery’s Villa side. Well, that’s what’s being claimed. What seems more likely, however, is neither side made a serious offer to the midfielder.
Tielemans’ move to Villa marks the end of an era, as the midfielder had been with Leicester since January 2019, making a total of 195 appearances for the Foxes, a highlight of his time there his memorable goal that secured Leicester’s FA Cup final win over Chelsea in 2021.
Tielemans bids farewell to Leicester
Upon confirming his exit from Leicester, Tielemans expressed his gratitude to the club and its supporters via Instagram.
View this post on Instagram
As he begins his new journey with Aston Villa, it marks the culmination of Arsenal’s long-standing interest in the player – an interest that ultimately remained unfulfilled.