Arsenal are set to make a move for Leicester City midfielder Youri Tielemans ahead of a pivotal week for all parties, according to reports.
Tielemans has been on the Gunners’ radar since May as Mikel Arteta’s men attempt to lure the Belgian from the King Power Stadium to bolster their midfield.
The playmaker, whose deal expires at the end of this season, is reportedly unwilling to renew with the Foxes, leaving the 2015/16 Premier League champions under pressure.
Advert
Arsenal were said to be keeping their composure in pursuit of Tielemans, eyeing up a free transfer instead of meeting Leicester’s valuation.
It appears the Gunners’ strategy could soon change.
According to Belgian journalist Sacha Tavolieri, the North Londoners will present the Midlands outfit with a new bid for the midfielder as we enter the final week of the summer transfer window.
Arsenal boss Arteta is said to have given Tielemans’ profile the green light, leaving Leicester braced for fresh contact from the Gunners hierarchy.
Advert
The news coming out of Belgium fits in with transfer expert Fabrizio Romano’s version of events, with the italian journalist expecting movement with regards to Tielemans.
Speaking in his weekly CaughtOffside column, Romano earmarked the transfer saga as "one to watch".
"The situation is completely open because so far there is no agreement for the player to extend his contract at the King Power Stadium," Romano revealed.
"Leicester know that proposals could come and Arsenal have been interested since May, but have never made an official offer."
Advert
The rumours have been fuelled by key omissions to the Foxes’ XI over the weekend as Chelsea target Wesley Fofana headlined the absentees in Leicester’s 2-1 defeat at home to Southampton.
Tielemans, in action the week prior against Arsenal, was demoted to the bench for the reception of the Saints.
Following the encounter, Leicester manager Brendan Rodgers admitted the two coveted stars weren’t mentally prepared to tackle Southampton as the rumour mill swirls.
Advert
"I mentioned it in the week about coming into a Premier League game with players that maybe aren’t quite in the right frame of mind," the Northern Irishman said.
"You cannot carry them and we certainly can’t, so that is the reason [for their omission]."
"There are a few offers for some players nowhere near the valuation the club would want to sell," Rodgers added.
"None of them are for sale, but I know how the game works.
Advert
"There are a few weeks to go. I don’t know what’s going to happen."
Aside from Tielemans, Tavolieri also believes the Gunners are keeping an eye on AC Milan’s Sandro Tonali and Brighton & Hove Albion starlet Moises Caicedo, who’s also attracting interest from Manchester United.
Featured Image Credit: Action Plus Sports Images / Alamy Stock PhotoTopics: Youri Tielemans, Leicester City